For the first time, people in Melbourne’s west have access to free comprehensive, world-class fertility care closer to home.
Officially launched this week, the new Public Care Fertility Service at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s (JKWC) at Sunshine Hospital includes infertility assessment clinics, IVF cycle management, pathology services, ultrasound capability and pregnancy testing.
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Women’s Hospital (the Women’s), the service is available to individuals and couples of all genders.
GPs and specialists can now send referrals for triaging to the Women’s, which is leading Victoria’s Public Fertility Care Service.
People who live in the Western Health catchment will attend their appointments at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s and travel to the Women’s for procedures. 
“We are excited to provide public fertility care at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s,” Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Lauren DeLuca said.
“People who have been trying to conceive naturally but have been unsuccessful and those people whose situation or health may prevent or impair fertility can access the service.”
Chief Operating Officer John Ferraro said Western Health was proud to be able to partner with the Women’s to deliver fertility treatment to people in Melbourne’s west.
“The availability of affordable and accessible fertility treatment closer to home is a significant step forward to ensuring health equity, particularly for those people facing financial and geographical barriers to care.”
“In the last year almost 7,000 babies were born at Western Health and our clinical staff are looking forward to working with the Women’s to enable more people to start or grow their family.”
Victoria’s new service is expected to give up to 5,000 Victorians access to public fertility care.
Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health Kat Theophanous MP and Labor Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly MP joined Western Health staff to officially launch the service at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s on Monday 11 December.
To be eligible, people must be Victorian residents with Medicare cards and have the appropriate tests and a GP referral.
Fertility services will also be offered at Mildura Base Public Hospital, Bendigo Health, Northern Health, Southwest Health, Mercy Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Barwon Health and Grampians Health.
Find more information here.
Image above: Western Health’s Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Lauren DeLuca, Divisional Director (Interim) Women’s and Children’s Services Lisa Smith and Chief Operating Officer John Ferraro with Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly MP (middle) and Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health Kat Theophanous MP (right).
