The Andrews Labor Government is giving more Victorians access to local public fertility care, with the opening of two new partner health services in Melbourne’s north and the state’s northwest.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the new local partner site at Northern Hospital in Epping, part of the Labor Government’s landmark initiative to establish a public fertility care service.

A second partner service has opened at Mildura Base Public Hospital with more sites due to open in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Heidelberg, Shepparton, Sunshine and Warrnambool by the end of the year.

The Northern Hospital and Mildura Base Public Hospital clinics provide eligible patients with access to a range of fertility services including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, medications and in-cycle management all closer to their home – helping cut down on unnecessary travel time and avoid indirect costs.

Victoria’s public fertility care service is making it easier for hopeful parents to access services such as fertility consultations, diagnostic tests, and ultrasounds, these partner sites are helping to make this care more accessible across the state.

Access to the public fertility service at partner health services is available through a GP or specialist referral sent to the Royal Women’s Hospital, which will then organise for patients to receive their fertility treatment at the health service closest to their home.

Once fully operational, the Labor Government’s almost $120 million program will help up to 5,000 Victorians every year to start or grow their family – helping them save up to $10,000. Since launching in October last year, more than 550 Victorians have already commenced their fertility journey.

Those seeking to access public fertility care – including the use of donated eggs or sperm from the recently launched public egg and sperm bank – will need to be referred by their GP or specialist.

More information on eligibility and access criteria is available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/services-support/public-fertility-care-services.