Elective surgery change delivers good news for clinic

People across WA who have had their dreams of being a parent put on hold as elective surgery was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic can look forward to resuming their fertility journey soon.

The region’s only fertility clinic, Fertility Great Southern, closed its doors on March 27 because of coronavirus restrictions.

But the Federal Government relaxed its policy on non-essential treatments two weeks ago, paving the way for the clinic to resume treatments within weeks.

Scientific director Dr Stephen Junk said it had been difficult being unable to help people conceive — the clinic usually has about 50 patients a month — but most had understood the reasons for the restrictions.

“All fertility services were considered elective surgery,” Dr Junk, pictured, said.

The clinic offers a range of services, from consultations through to IVF treatments.

Dr Junk said with the clinic closed, the clinic had adapted and found ways to help some continue their journey to parenthood.

“We have been able to provide advice and support to patients over this time, but not doing any procedures,” he said. “During the shut-down period we have done all appointments and consultations by telehealth.”