People living in Melbourne’s north with fertility issues now have closer access to donor sperm and eggs through a new partnership between Northern Health and Royal Women’s Hospital.
In what will be Australia’s first public egg and sperm bank, the two hospitals will offer a range of fertility services, including in vitro fertilization, IVF, treatments, fertility consultations, diagnostic tests and procedures, ultrasounds, counselling, information and support.
Once fully operational, the almost $120 million program will help up to 5000 Victorians every year to start a family.
Acting Health Minister Gabrielle Williams said the program would ‘remove cost as a barrier’ for people wanting to access IVF.
Eligible Victorians seeking to access Victoria’s public fertility care service – including the use of donated eggs or sperm – will need to be referred by their GP or specialist to the Royal Women’s Hospital.
The Royal Women’s Hospital will then refer eligible patients within Northern Health’s catchment to Northern Health for the majority of their fertility journey.
All appointments and treatments for the patients will then occur at Northern Health, aside from those requiring the use of the laboratory.
Northern Health divisional director and operations for women and children Nicole Carlon said Northern Health was ‘privileged’ to support patients with starting a family.
“Northern Health is delighted to partner with the Royal Women’s Hospital to provide those living in Melbourne’s north with comprehensive fertility services, closer to home,” she said.
“Starting a family is an exciting decision, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Northern Health is privileged to support patients on this journey.”
Premier Daniel Andrews and Ms Williams visited the facility at the Royal Women’s Hospital, which features a state-of-the-art laboratory, to share the announcement on July 2.
“Public IVF is already helping hundreds of Victorians make their dream of having a baby a reality,” Mr Andrews said.
“Helping someone start their family is one of the most generous gifts you could give someone, and our new public egg and sperm bank will help even more Victorians, do just that.”
