Double celebration for IVF unit

Every baby is a cause for joy – and when it's the 1,000th newborn to arrive at a hospital's fertility clinic, it's extra special.

The partnership between Melbourne's Epworth Eastern and Newlife IVF recently reached the milestone, not long after its fourth anniversary.

Epworth Eastern's Executive General Manager, Ashley Wheeler, said it was fitting the 1,000th baby arrived so close to the unit's birthday, which was celebrated on Saturday 28 October 2023.

"Being able to offer such a wonderful gift of life over the past four years is truly heartwarming," Mr Wheeler said.

"Our partnership with Newlife IVF is incredibly important in providing health services to Melbourne's growing east and south-east."

The unit is already anticipating another milestone – Jess Spencer and her husband Tim Power are set to become the first parents to welcome three babies with the in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure as part of Epworth HealthCare's partnership with Newlife.

The couple's first daughter Evie was born at Epworth Freemasons hospital in September 2020, Emily arrived in March 2022, and baby number three is due in March 2024.

Jess said the Epworth Eastern IVF unit was "very familiar territory" for her.

"Dr Chris Russell was my fertility specialist obstetrician for Evie and Emily," Jess said.

"He has moved away from obstetrics and is now my fertility specialist at Epworth Eastern.

"From IVF, through to the births of our girls at Epworth Freemasons, Epworth has been amazing."

Dr Russell said he was pleased to be helping Jess and Tim expand their family.

"It's immensely rewarding to help any patient achieve their dream family, but to help Jess and Tim have three babies in quick succession has been fantastic," he said.

"To be part of the Newlife IVF team responsible for 1,000 babies in our first four years, really highlights the excellence that we are aiming for and achieving at Newlife IVF and Epworth Eastern." 

Read more: Country women travel for city care

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