COVID-19 Update

31 March 2020: On the 25th of March, the Australian Government directed that all non-essential surgeries must cease after 11.59pm on the 1st of April 2020.

Patients who have commenced an IVF cycle prior to this date and time, can complete their treatment following consultation with their Fertility Specialist.

Genea Medical Director, Associate Professor Mark Bowman said, “If a patient has already commenced stimulation before the restrictions on surgeries, it is deemed medically essential that eggs are collected and so this is permitted after 11.59pm on the 1st of April 2020. Beyond that, we have been given clear directives from government as to elective surgery, until the current COVID-19 situation settles.”

Egg and sperm preservation treatment as a result of cancer is deemed essential by the Fertility Society of Australia and can be conducted.

“We are devastated for patients wanting to commence treatment and understand how distressing this news is for many. However, it is imperative that the clinic follows the advice and requirements enforced by our state and federal governments,” said Dr Bowman.

He advised patients to lean on their support networks, talk to their family and friends, listen to the advice of their Fertility Specialist and fertility care team. “We ask that patients consider and understand the multiple issues involved with managing this pandemic and how IVF treatment fits in. Consider the issues not only of being pregnant in an uncertain time, but also issues such as general patient and staff safety, travel and social distancing requirements and the country’s need for medical resources in caring for seriously ill people.”

“These restrictions will, one day, be lifted and Genea will be here, with our world leading technology and care, ready to support patients to fulfill their dream of a family.”

The health and well-being of Genea’s patients and staff has and always will be Genea’s priority, all clinics have extensive processes in place to allow fertility treatments to be completed in an appropriate way for patients and staff. Genea are actively monitoring COVID-19 updates from the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health and will continue to respond based on best advice from the Australian Government, public health authorities and medical professionals.

Genea are actively monitoring COVID-19 updates from the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health and will continue to respond based on best advice from the Australian Government, public health authorities and medical professionals.