A collaboration between the Royal Hospital for Women and the University of New South Wales has led to the establishment of a State-wide Fertility and Research Centre for people with cancer and rare genetic diseases.
Announced by the Minister for Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard, the Fertility and Research Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women will provide hope to both male and female patients undergoing cancer treatment that may affect their fertility.
“This centre will provide first-class fertility preservation services, giving people with a cancer diagnosis or rare genetic conditions the chance to make their future plans for children a reality,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This centre is an Australian first, combining the latest research with fertility preservation and assisted reproduction services in a public hospital.”
He said the Centre was part of the Government’s $42 million investment toward improving access to In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services.
“The Centre will assist people hoping to have children through IVF, and research will be carried out on site to help find solutions for those facing obstacles to falling pregnant.”
Mr Hazzard said the Centre was set to have an assisted reproduction laboratory and procedure rooms where patients could receive a full range of services.
Head of Reproductive Medicine at the Royal Hospital for Women, Professor William Ledger said the service will be linked with the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital.