Families living in Bendigo and across central Victoria can now access fertility care closer to home, with the Allan Labor Government's nation-leading public IVF service now available at Bendigo Health.
Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today officially opened the satellite service, which will offer a range of support and treatment for Victorians trying to start or grow their family.
Offering specialist consultations, pathology, diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, medications and cycle management, it is the second service to open in regional Victoria following the launch of the service at Mildura.
The satellite services will alleviate stress by cutting travel time and slashing costs - saving Victorians up to $10,000 - with additional sites set to open in Shepparton, Ballarat, Geelong, and Warrnambool. Two further Melbourne sites will also open in Heidelberg and Sunshine, with a site at the Northern Hospital in Epping already operational.
The near $120 million Labor Government public IVF investment will give up to 5,000 people per year access to the services once fully operational, providing up to 3,375 treatment cycles- easing the financial pressure for thousands of Victorians during what is already a challenging experience for many.
This latest service follows the launch of Australia's first public egg and sperm bank in July 2023 - operating at the Royal Women's Hospital, the service is currently accepting egg, sperm and embryo donations from the community.
It also marks one year since the roll out of public fertility care services in Victoria - the landmark service is already making it easier and more affordable for prospective parents to access vital services on their IVF journey.
Since launching in October last year, more than 1,100 Victorians have already commenced their treatment journey.
Access to public fertility care is available through a GP or specialist referral which is sent to the Royal Women's Hospital or Monash Health who then organise eligible patients to receive treatment at their closest health service.
More information is available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/public-fertility-care-services.
As stated by Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"Regional Victorians wanting to start or grow their family shouldn't be limited by their address, that's why we're continuing to roll out public fertility care, making it easier and more affordable to access this vital service."
"This new service is going to be life-changing for many people across Bendigo and central Victoria, helping them achieve their dream of welcoming their own bundle of joy into the world."
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"We know the IVF process can be quite overwhelming - that's why we are helping regional Victorians realise their dream of starting or growing their family by alleviating the stress of external factors, such as costs and distance."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"This is an incredible addition to the public healthcare available in Bendigo - giving those in our community wanting to start or grow their family access to fertility care closer to home and nearby the support of their loved ones."
