COVID-19 restrictions lifted on fertility clinics
In late March, in response to COVID-19 infection rates, many couples’ dreams of having a family were placed on hold. The Australian Government directed that all non-essential surgeries must cease, and only patients who had commenced an IVF cycle prior to this date could complete their treatment (excluding, of course, what was deemed essential surgery).
But in a much needed spot of good news following a difficult time for many, on the 21st of April, after a National Review of infection rates, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison announced that restrictions would be lifted on some non-essential surgeries and that fertility clinics could return to operation.
Luke Grant is joined by Steve McArthur, Scientific Director of the Genea (IVF clinic), to find out how IVF clinics are adapting to the new way of treating patients… such as utilising telehealth (counsellors, embryologists, doctors all skyping patients), staggering patients clinic attendance.
An added benefit at Genea- patients can watch their embryos develop in the Geri incubator in the lab via an app.
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