Resources

Covid-19

Since the arrival of COVID-19, Fertility North has been committed to delivering a high level of care whilst ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all our patients and staff.

Attending Fertility North

If you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, or have been exposed to a known or probable case of COVID, we remind you that you must not attend the clinic. In this instance, we ask that you please call us to discuss your situation to determine whether you treatment may be affected or if you require a Telehealth consultation.

Ongoing Operational Changes

As we have seen throughout the pandemic, circumstances are likely to evolve, and as such, Fertility North may need to introduce new measures at short notice.

As always, we are committed to communicating these changes with you as soon as they occur and will continue to do our utmost to ensure your treatment remains uninterrupted.

Clinic Measures Against COVID-19

Fertility North has implemented a number of measures to support patient requirements and operational changes in response to the COVID pandemic.

All Fertility North staff are vaccinated and are receiving their boosters as they become eligible.

Additional measures around the clinic include:

All staff will wear appropriate PPE
All doctors, theatre and embryology staff have undertaken FIT testing to ensure the masks they wear provide the best protection possible
Removal of reading material from waiting areas and the collection rooms
Minimisation of shared workstations and stationery throughout the clinic
Increased frequency and enhanced cleaning measures

We acknowledge that these continue to be challenging times, and that ongoing changes may present challenges to some.

Should you need additional support or guidance during this time, please do not hesitate to ask, our team are here to assist you.

Other useful resources are listed below:

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, requirements may change as we move forward and we are committed communicating these changes with you as soon as they occur and will continue to do our utmost to ensure your treatment remains uninterrupted.

We encourage you to keep in touch with your questions and feedback, as we work with you to ensure we continue to provide safe, uninterrupted, high quality fertility and gynaecology care.

From each of us at Fertility North, thank you for your patience, understanding and support. We look forward to supporting you through your fertility journey

Clinic COVID Updates

Updated: 13th October 2022 – 09:30

Patient Update to Fertility North’s COVID Management Plan

In another good-news update, in line with the latest government advice, Fertility North have again reviewed our measures towards COVID-19.

From this Friday, 15th October, patients and visitors attending the clinic will find our front doors are once again open.

There is no longer a requirement to complete a COVID Declaration or undertake a temperature check.
As we are located within the Joondalup Private Hospital, the requirement to wear a mask does remain in place.

If you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, or have been exposed to a known or probable case of COVID, we remind you that you please must not attend the clinic. In this instance, we ask that you please call us to discuss your situation to determine whether your treatment may be affected.

We will continue to provide real-time updates on our website and social media channels:

With thanks to all of our community for your continued understanding, patience and loyalty.

The Team at Fertility North.

Updated: 18th August 2022 – 11:00

Patient Update to Fertility North’s COVID Management Plan

The COVID fog is beginning to lift! So, once again, we have reviewed our measures towards COVID-19 to ensure that our measures are consistent with the latest government advice.

From Monday 22nd August, patients and visitors attending the clinic will be required to:

Press the doorbell where you will be greeted by our Concierge or Nurse.
Complete the updated COVID declaration form.
Undertake a temperature check.
Wear the N95 mask provided to you.

Further details are described in our latest COVID Patient Information document, and we will continue to provide real-time updates on our website and social media channels:

Should you wish to subscribe to email updates, please send an email to social@fertilitynorth.com.au with your first name, surname and ‘COVID Updates’ in the subject line.

Should COVID advice from the government or health department change, we may need to introduce new measures at short notice. However, we are committed to communicating these changes with you as soon as they occur and will continue to do our utmost to ensure your treatment remains uninterrupted.

Sincere thanks to all of our community for your continued understanding, patience and loyalty.
The Team at Fertility North.

Updated: 13th July 2022 – 08:00

Patient Update to Fertility North’s COVID Management Plan

Well, it seems we’re still having to roll with the punches, with COVID now well and truly established in the Perth community, and the next wave building on the east coast.

With that in mind, Fertility North has once again reviewed its measures towards COVID-19 to ensure that we are still able to provide you with safe, high quality and, perhaps most importantly, uninterrupted care.

Further details of the measures we have implemented have been outlined in our revised COVID Patient Information document, and updates will continue to be posted on our website and social media channels if and when they occur:

Should you wish to subscribe to email updates, please send an email to social@fertilitynorth.com.au with your first name, surname and ‘COVID Updates’ in the subject line.

Once again, circumstances are likely to evolve, and as such, we may need to introduce new measures at short notice. As always, we are committed to communicating these changes with you as soon as they occur and will continue to do our utmost to ensure your treatment remains uninterrupted.

With sincere thanks in anticipation of your cooperation, support and understanding as we navigate our way through these ongoing challenges.

The Team at Fertility North.

Updated: 20th April 2022 – 14:30

New Prescription Requirements

Last month, the Australian Government introduced new restrictions on how community pharmacies can dispense prescription medication.

Unfortunately, community pharmacies can ONLY dispense medication using the hard-copy original prescription or an e-Script. Faxed and emailed copies can no longer be accepted.

We are working hard behind the scenes with our software developer to implement electronic prescriptions, but in the meantime, please be aware that your pharmacist will no longer be able to issue your fertility medications without your actual prescription.

If getting to the clinic to collect your script is a challenge, we are happy to mail it out to you. But, with postal services already under pressure, you may experience delays. So, our best advice is to plan ahead!

If you have any queries or concerns about how these changes may affect you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, by telephone 08 9301 1075 or email admin@fertilitynorth.com.au

Updated: 21st February 2022 – 13:00

COVID Vaccine Safety

Given the volume of information (and misinformation) out there regarding the safety of COVID vaccinations, we thought it would be useful for us to provide you with a list of trusted, well-researched resources to support the safety of COVID vaccinations amongst patients who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

We will continue to add to and update this list as more information becomes available.

For further information on Fertility North’s COVID Management policy, please see our Patient Information document or speak directly with our team.

Updated: 11th February 2022 – 14:00

Patient Update to Fertility North’s COVID Management Plan

Since March 2020, the team at Fertility North have travelled the rollercoaster journey of the COVID pandemic alongside our patients, and until now, we are grateful to have been protected from the full impact of COVID on our way of life.

Over this time, you may feel that we haven’t always got it right, but be assured that our focus has been to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and patients, constantly adapting our approach as the pandemic has evolved, whilst striving to maintain our high treatment standards.

While our location within the Joondalup Health Campus has many significant benefits, it does also mean that Fertility North must comply with the often more stringent requirements imposed on a hospital setting.

With the arrival of Omicron into WA, Fertility North has once again implemented proactive, considered measures to ensure that as the risk of COVID-19 exposure, we are still able to provide you with safe, high quality and, perhaps most importantly, uninterrupted care.

Further details of the measures we have implemented have been outlined in our COVID Patient Information document, and updates will continue to be posted on our website and social media channels if and when they occur:

Should you wish to subscribe to email updates, please send an email to social@fertilitynorth.com.au with your first name, surname and ‘COVID Updates’ in the subject line.

If experience is anything to go by, our circumstances are likely to continue to change, and as such, we may need to introduce new measures at short notice. As always, we are committed to communicating these changes with you as soon as they occur and will continue to do our utmost to ensure your treatment remains uninterrupted.

With sincere thanks in anticipation of your cooperation, support and understanding as we navigate our way through these ongoing challenges.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Vince Chapple
Medical Director, Fertility North.

Updated: 2nd February 2022 – 16:00

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO COVID MEASURES

After significant consultation, Fertility North will soon be amending its COVID Management Policy. Please be aware that as of Monday 7th February 2022 the following measures will be in place:

All patients and support people (carer / partner) attending Fertility North must be fully vaccinated. Staff will request to sight evidence of your vaccination or your medical exemption should that apply. Where possible, we ask that you please attend the clinic alone.
All consultations will be done remotely via Skype, Telehealth, Doxyme or similar.
All semen samples should be produced at home and delivered to the Laboratory at the appropriate time.
All patients and support people attending Fertility North for procedures (ultrasound, egg collection, embryo transfer or insemination) will be required to show a current* negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result. If you are unable to provide your own RAT test/s, Fertility North will have a RAT testing station set up prior to entering the clinic, each test will cost $16.50 (this is cost price). Please allow 20 minutes to complete your RAT test prior to your appointment.
*test no more than 3 days old

Measures will also be implemented to minimise the risk of exposure and spread of COVID amongst our Team, including regular staff RAT tests, social distancing and staggered meal breaks.

We appreciate that these changes will inevitably cause frustration and distress; however, we assure you they are being implemented to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of all of our patients and staff. As always, we will adapt our approach as the COVID situation in WA evolves and we are grateful for your ongoing support and understanding.

By introducing these measures, we are doing our best to ensure that Fertility North is not subjected to a full clinic closure due to staff exposure, and therefore safeguard our ability to provide all patients with uninterrupted fertility and gynaecology treatment.

Please note that this is Fertility North Clinic Policy. We appreciate your kindness towards our Team.

Updated: 18th January 2022 – 08:00

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO COVID MEASURES

To uphold the ongoing health and well-being of all patients and staff, please be advised of the following updates to Fertility North’s COVID-19 response:

Effective immediately, and in accordance with WA Health guidelines, all patients attending the clinic will be required to wear a face mask. If you arrive at the clinic without a mask, we will provide you with one before entry is permitted. No exceptions will be permitted.
The vaccination status of all patients will be requested and recorded from Monday, 17th January, 2022.*
As of the 31st of January 2022, all patients and visitors will need to provide proof of full vaccination (at least 2 doses) upon entry to the hospital and to the clinic. This is a directive from the State Government of WA and is outside our control. If you have a medical exemption, you will be asked to supply us with a copy of this. Please be advised we will call your health provider to confirm your medical exemption, in addition to obtaining a copy.*
Where feasible, consultations with our Nurses and Doctors will be conducted virtually (via Telehealth, Doxyme, Skype or similar). If this applies to you, our Admin Team will be in touch.
Where possible, we encourage patients to produce their semen samples at home and bring them to the clinic for analysis or treatment.

*If you are unable to access your COVID-19 Digital Certificate, please contact the Australian Immunisation Register general enquiries line on 1800 653 809. For more information, please click here.

To assist us in delivering safe, efficient and uninterrupted treatment to all of our patients, we ask that you please:

DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days OR if you have attended any of the public exposure sites.
Use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic.
Maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible.
Avoid bringing children and visitors with you to the clinic.

We know that these are uncertain times, and the changes we are required to implement can be confronting. However, we are committed to providing all of our staff and patients with the safest possible work and treatment environment. With that in mind , we continue to be grateful for your understanding and cooperation.

Fertility North will continue to follow directives regarding COVID-19 and we will keep our community informed via our website and social media channels.

The Team at Fertility North know just how important your treatment is and we are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you once again!

Updated: 3rd January 2022 – 14:00

EASING RESTRICTIONS FOR PERTH & PEEL

Please be advised that while public health and social measures announced last week* will begin to ease from 6am, Tuesday 4th January, 2022 the requirement to wear a mask when attending Fertility North will remain in place.

All patients attending the clinic will be required to confirm they are not at risk of COViD. Exposure at any of the identified “hotspots” (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/…/Locations-visited-by…) will require immediate COViD testing and entry will not be permitted to Fertility North without evidence of a NEGATIVE test result and completion of the 14 day isolation period where required;
In accordance with WA Health guidelines, all patients attending the clinic will be required to wear a face mask. If you arrive at the clinic without a mask, we will provide you with one before entry is permitted;
All patients will be required to check in via the COVID-19 SafeWA app or manual register;
We will continue to adhere to our already stringent hygiene and social distancing procedures.

We ask that you please:

Use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
Maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
Where possible, please avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days OR if you have attended any of the public exposure sites.

*Please see the update dated 23/12/2021 for details.

Updated: 27th December 2021 – 13:30

EXTENDED RESTRICTIONS FOR PERTH & PEEL

Following this morning’s press conference by the Premier, please be advised that the public health and social measures announced last week* will continue until 6am, Tuesday 4th January, 2022.

*Please see the update dated 23/12/2021 for details.

The Team at Fertility North continue to be grateful for your understanding and cooperation. We will continue to adapt our approach as this situation evolves and we will continue to keep our community informed.

We appreciate just how important your treatment is and the Team at Fertility North are here to support you every step of the way. We will continue to update our website and social media channels as this current situation evolves. Thank you once again!

Updated: 23rd December 2021 – 15:30

UPDATED RESTRICTIONS FOR PERTH

Following this afternoon’s press conference by the Premier, please be advised that:

All patients attending the clinic will be required to confirm they are not at risk of COViD. Exposure at any of the identified “hotspots” (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/…/Locations-visited-by…) will require immediate COViD testing and entry will not be permitted to Fertility North without evidence of a NEGATIVE test result and completion of the 14 day isolation period where required;
In accordance with WA Health guidelines, all patients attending the clinic will be required to wear a face mask. If you arrive at the clinic without a mask, we will provide you with one before entry is permitted;
All patients will be required to check in via the COVID-19 SafeWA app or manual register;
We will continue to adhere to our already stringent hygiene and social distancing procedures.

We ask that you please:

Use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
Maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
Where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days OR if you have attended any of the public exposure sites.

The Team at Fertility North continue to be grateful for your understanding and cooperation during these challenging times. We will continue to adapt our approach as this situation evolves and we will continue to keep our community informed.

Should you feel you would benefit from additional care or guidance during this time, please do not hesitate to ask – our staff are here to assist you. Please contact the clinic on (08) 9301 1075 if you have any further queries or concerns.

Updated: 29th October 2021 – 12:00

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE

A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine has offered more reassurance regarding the safety of Covid-19 vaccinations. The robust study examined pregnancy outcomes in just under 18500 pregnancies and found no evidence of an increased risk of early pregnancy loss after Covid-19 vaccination.

It is with this in mind that Fertility North continues to encourage patients to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Please refer to our update posted 23/08/2021 for more details.

Updated: 23rd August 2021 – 15:00

VACCINATION UPDATE

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists regularly releases guidelines and advice concerning the use of vaccinations to prevent Covid-19 infection in pregnancy and breast feeding women and for women planning pregnancy. This advice is consistent with advice from The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The most recent update was on the 18/08/21.

Background

Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19 infection
If infected in pregnancy babies are at great risk of premature birth.
Antibodies generated by Covid-19 vaccinations may cross both the placenta and pass into breast milk conferring a measure of protection to newborn infants.

Current recommendations

Pregnant women are a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination, and should be routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Cominarty) or Spikevax (Moderna) at any stage of pregnancy.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 have a higher risk of severe illness compared to non-pregnant women with COVID-19 of the same age. This includes an increased risk of:
- Hospitalisation
- Admission to an intensive care unit
- Invasive ventilation.
COVID-19 during pregnancy also increases the risk of complications for the baby including a higher risk of:
- Stillbirth and
- Being born prematurely
Vaccination is the best way to reduce these risks.
Women who are trying to become pregnant can receive either Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines and do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.

Further considerations

Covid-19 vaccination should be done at the earliest opportunity. It is recommended to have 2 doses 3-6 weeks apart of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
Evidence from research shows that Pfizer & Moderna vaccines are safe for pregnant women and their foetuses.
With regards to the AstraZeneca vaccine:
1. Data is currently lacking for AstraZeneca vaccine to be able to recommend its use in pregnancy but it is anticipated that this may change as more data becomes available.
2. There is no evidence of risk associated with AstraZeneca vaccines beyond those risks already reported such as immune thrombocytopenia
3. Women found to be pregnant after their 1^st AstraZeneca vaccine can have either Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca for their second dose.
Any form of vaccination is regarded safe for breast feeding women as they to not pass into breast milk.
Other vaccinations and Anti-D (if necessary) can and should be received during pregnancy.

Our recommendation

Fertility North continues to encourage patients to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Any queries or concerns should be directed to your GP or Fertility North consultant.

Updated: 10th August 2021 – 10:45

UPDATE ON RESTRICTIONS

Please be advised that in line with recent updates,we have now returned to unrestricted operation. However, as Western Australia remains in a State of Emergency, we continue to be subject to some requirements:

ALL visitors MUST check in via the SafeWA app or on the manual register in reception
Use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic
Maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible

Please ensure that you:

DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days OR if you have attended any of the public exposure sites.

Fertility North again thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Should you want additional support or guidance during this time, please do not hesitate to ask, our Team are here to assist you. Please contact the clinic on (08) 9301 1075 if you have any further queries or concerns.

Updated: 6th July 2021 – 08:45

LOCKDOWN UPDATE

Please be advised that in line with recent updates,we have returned to in-person consultations. However, in keeping with the 2sqm rule, only ONE partner / support person / child may attend the clinic with you.

We continue to be subject to some restrictions:

Masks are still required on entry to Joondalup Private Hospital and Joondalup Health Campus in its entirety;
ALL visitors MUST check in via the SafeWA app or on the manual register in reception;
Please adhere to social distancing recommendations of 2sqm per person;
We will continue to adhere to our already stringent hygiene and social distancing procedures.

In return, we ask that you please:

use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days OR if you have attended any of the public exposure sites.

Until lockdown restrictions have lifted completely, we remind you to please check the Clinipath website to confirm the location of your most convenient blood sampling location prior to your blood test. Narrow your search results by “open early (before 9:00am)” and “Fertility Tracking”.

On behalf of the whole team at Fertility North, we appreciate your cooperation and understanding and we look forward to resuming unrestricted operation soon.

Updated: 29th June 2021 – 08:00

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Following the snap lock-down in the Perth and Peel regions this morning, Fertility North have reintroduced a number of measures to protect the health and well-being of all patients and staff:

ALL ACTIVE TREATMENT CYCLES will continue as planned. If not already, our Nursing Team will contact you to advise you of the impact, if any, to your treatment cycle as soon as possible;
Where possible, consultations (Nurse and Doctor) will be conducted remotely. Our reception staff will contact you in advance of your appointment to make the necessary arrangements;
Clinipath have assured us that they plan to keep as many blood collection centres open as possible.
All patients attending the clinic will be required to confirm they are not at risk of COViD. Exposure at any of the identified “hotspots” (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/…/Locations-visited-by…) will require immediate COViD testing and entry will not be permitted to Fertility North without evidence of a NEGATIVE test result and completion of the 14 day isolation period where required;
In accordance with WA Health guidelines, all patients attending the clinic will be required to wear a face mask. If you arrive at the clinic without a mask, we will provide you with one before entry is permitted;
We regret that attendance at the clinic is limited to the patient undergoing treatment only. Unfortunately, partners and children will not be admitted into the clinic;
All patients will be required to check in via the COVID-19 SafeWA app or manual register;
As access to the clinic will be restricted, please be patient with us and allow extra time for your appointment/s;
We will continue to adhere to our already stringent hygiene and social distancing procedures.

In return, we ask that you please:

use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days OR if you have attended any of the public exposure sites.

Updated: 27th April 2021 – 08:45

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Following the snap lock-down in the Perth and Peel regions over the weekend, Fertility North have reintroduced a number of measures to protect the health and well-being of all patients and staff:

ALL ACTIVE TREATMENT CYCLES will continue as planned. If not already, our Nursing Team will contact you to advise you of the impact, if any, to your treatment cycle as soon as possible;
Where possible, consultations (Nurse and Doctor) will be conducted remotely. Our reception staff will contact you in advance of your appointment to make the necessary arrangements;
Clinipath have assured us that they plan to keep as many blood collection centres open as possible.
All patients attending the clinic will be required to confirm they are not at risk of COViD. Exposure at any of the identified “hotspots” (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/…/Locations-visited-by…) will require immediate COViD testing and entry will not be permitted to Fertility North without evidence of a NEGATIVE test result and completion of the 14 day isolation period where required;
In accordance with WA Health guidelines, all patients attending the clinic will be required to wear a face mask. If you arrive at the clinic without a mask, we will provide you with one before entry is permitted;
We regret that attendance at the clinic is limited to the patient undergoing treatment only. Unfortunately, partners and children will not be admitted into the clinic;
All patients will be required to check in via the COVID-19 SafeWA app or manual register;
As access to the clinic will be restricted, please be patient with us and allow extra time for your appointment/s;
We will continue to adhere to our already stringent hygiene and social distancing procedures.

In return, we ask that you please:

use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days OR if you have attended any of the public exposure sites.

We appreciate just how important your treatment is and the Team at Fertility North are here to support you every step of the way.

Updated: 29th March 2021 – 09:00

COVID PREGNANCY ISSUES & VACCINATION ADVICE

Dr Vince Chapple – Medical Director, Fertility North.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2). Its common presenting symptoms, cough, headache, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath and altered sense of
taste and smell are reported in pregnancy in similar rates to the non-pregnant population. More than 50% of infected people are asymptomatic, and asymptomatic infections are commoner in pregnant women than the general population. The severity
of disease has been categorized by the National Institutes of Health ( NIH) in America as:

ASYMPTOMATIC – positive SARS-CoV2 serology with no symptoms
MILD – any upper respiratory tract infection symptoms with positive serology with no shortness of breath or chest x-ray changes
MODERATE – the addition of respiratory symptoms with O2 saturation >94% on air
SEVERE – a respiratory rate of >30/minute or O2 saturation <94% on air
CRITICAL – respiratory collapse, septic shock or multi-organ failure

The risk of acquiring infection is not increased by pregnancy. A recent systematic review of data published in the British Medical Journal including over 64,000 pregnant women reported;

1% required Oxygen therapy
3% Had severe disease
3% were admitted to ICU and 1.6% required ventilation
8% Death rate.

In this review the rate of severe disease was double that of non-pregnant women. Risk factors for severe disease included: Age >35y, Obesity (BMI >30), High blood pressure and Pre-existing diabetes.

This and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in America have suggested an almost 4 fold increased risk of ICU admission in relation to pregnancy, an almost 3 fold increase in the need for ventilation and a 70% increase in mortality rates.

Pregnancy Effects

Placental infection and transmission through the placenta to the fetus is reported to be rare. The risk of miscarriage does not appear to be increased. The worsened obstetric outcomes appear to be restricted to severe and critical disease only. In them, there is an increased risk of prematurity and C/S. US data have also shown that while mild and moderate disease do not increase the risk of still birth, in severe and critical disease there is a 5 fold increase to 3%.

Neonatal mortality rates are not increased in infants born to SARS-CoV2 positive mothers.

Vaccines

The currently available vaccines against SARS-CoV2 are based on either a replication incompetent adenovirus vector that expresses the SARS-CoV2 surface spike protein (Oxford- AstraZeneca (OAZ)) or use a newer technology not previously used to create vaccines using mRNA to generate the spike protein provoking the immune response(Pfizer). Many other vaccines are in development.

Neither of these vaccines contain virus that replicates but they may provoke an immune response producing side effects.

There have been no clinical trials of either vaccine in a pregnant population. Eleven women enrolled in the clinical trials of the Pfizer mRNA vaccine became pregnant during the trial and no adverse effects were reported.

In the USA over 275 women who became pregnant after receiving either the Pfizer or OAZ vaccine have self reported their outcome to the CDC. There have been no excess side effects or adverse outcomes reported for either mother or child born following vaccination.

Based on their mode of action it is unlikely that either vaccine pose a risk to pregnant women their fetuses or their offspring. Until more information is known the, it is recommended that the decision to be vaccinated during pregnancy should be made through a process of shared decision making.

Recommendations

Pre-pregnancy either SARS-CoV2 vaccine can be safely recommended. Patients require 2 doses of vaccine to get full benefit from it. One dose gives partial protection though the effectiveness and duration of protection is unknown.

The Australian Government recommends patients to consider SAR-CoV2 vaccination during pregnancy in the following groups;

Patients at high risk of severe COVID-19;
1. Immunocompromised patients (organ transplant recipients including bone marrow transplants, patients with hematological cancer, patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy).
2. Patients on immunosuppressive medication
3. Diseases related to chronic organ failure (Heart, Kidney, Lung, Liver)
4. Diabetics
5. The severely obese (BMI >40)
6. Patients with poorly controlled high blood pressure.
Patients at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV2. In Australia currently, where there is minimal if any community spread, this would include border & quarantine services, healthcare, aged care and disability care.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Mothers are most at risk from COVID-19 in the third trimester and most patients’ anxiety relates to concern that vaccine will harm the fetus in the first trimester. Until more information is known concerning safety, we recommend that patients who are concerned about the lack of safety information patients avoid SARS-CoV2 vaccination during the first trimester unless they are in a high-risk group.

As the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine is given 3 weeks after the first this may be more appropriate for patients wishing to expedite a treatment plan that might result in pregnancy if available. Alternatively, if the second dose falls during the first trimester, concerned patients again could consider deferring their second dose until after the first trimester unless in high-risk groups.

Updated: 29th March 2021 – 09:00

COVID PREGNANCY ISSUES & VACCINATION ADVICE

Dr Vince Chapple – Medical Director, Fertility North.

ASYMPTOMATIC – positive SARS-CoV2 serology with no symptoms
MILD – any upper respiratory tract infection symptoms with positive serology with no shortness of breath or chest x-ray changes
MODERATE – the addition of respiratory symptoms with O2 saturation >94% on air
SEVERE – a respiratory rate of >30/minute or O2 saturation <94% on air
CRITICAL – respiratory collapse, septic shock or multi-organ failure

The risk of acquiring infection is not increased by pregnancy. A recent systematic review of data published in the British Medical Journal including over 64,000 pregnant women reported;

1% required Oxygen therapy
3% Had severe disease
3% were admitted to ICU and 1.6% required ventilation
8% Death rate.

In this review the rate of severe disease was double that of non-pregnant women. Risk factors for severe disease included: Age >35y, Obesity (BMI >30), High blood pressure and Pre-existing diabetes.

Pregnancy Effects

Neonatal mortality rates are not increased in infants born to SARS-CoV2 positive mothers.

Vaccines

Neither of these vaccines contain virus that replicates but they may provoke an immune response producing side effects.

Recommendations

The Australian Government recommends patients to consider SAR-CoV2 vaccination during pregnancy in the following groups;

Patients at high risk of severe COVID-19;
1. Immunocompromised patients (organ transplant recipients including bone marrow transplants, patients with hematological cancer, patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy).
2. Patients on immunosuppressive medication
3. Diseases related to chronic organ failure (Heart, Kidney, Lung, Liver)
4. Diabetics
5. The severely obese (BMI >40)
6. Patients with poorly controlled high blood pressure.
Patients at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV2. In Australia currently, where there is minimal if any community spread, this would include border & quarantine services, healthcare, aged care and disability care.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Updated: 09th February 2021 – 15:00

UPDATE POST-LOCKDOWN

With the lifting of recent lockdown, we are relieved to advise that face-to-face consultations have now resumed at Fertility North.

When attending the clinic, please remember to adhere to Government guidelines:

Wear a face mask when outside the home if you live in the Perth metropolitan area, Peel or South West regions

Practise physical distancing (keep at least 1.5 metres or two arms lengths from each other)
Maintain good personal hygiene (wash hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitiser and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use your elbow)
Check-in on arrival via the SafeWA QR Code or Manual Register

We will continue with the following measures to protect the health and well-being of all patients and staff:

All patients attending the clinic will be required to confirm they are not at risk of COViD. Exposure at any of the identified “hotspots” (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/…/Locations-visited-by…) will require immediate COViD testing and entry will not be permitted to Fertility North without evidence of a NEGATIVE test result;
In accordance with WA Health guidelines, all patients attending the clinic will be required to wear a face mask. If you arrive at the clinic without a mask, we will provide you with one before entry is permitted;
All patients will be required to check in via the COVID-19 SafeWA app or manual register;
Stringent hygiene and social distancing procedures.

In return, we ask that you please:

Use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
Maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
Where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days

If you feel you may benefit from additional care or guidance during this time, please do not hesitate to ask – our staff are here to assist you. Please contact the clinic on (08) 9301 1075 if you have any further queries or concerns.

Updated: 31st January 2021 – 21:00

IMPORTANT UPDATE

With lockdown coming into effect for Perth, Peel and the South West this evening, Fertility North have reintroduced a number of measures to protect the health and well-being of all patients and staff:

ALL ACTIVE TREATMENT CYCLES will continue as planned. If not already, our Nursing Team will contact you to advise you of the impact, if any, to your treatment cycle as soon as possible;
All consultations (Nurse and Doctor) will be conducted remotely. Our reception staff will contact you in advance of your appointment to make the necessary arrangements;
Clinipath have assured us that they plan to keep as many blood collection centres open as possible.
All patients attending the clinic will be required to confirm they are not at risk of COViD. Exposure at any of the identified “hotspots” (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/…/Locations-visited-by…) will require immediate COViD testing and entry will not be permitted to Fertility North without evidence of a NEGATIVE test result;
In accordance with WA Health guidelines, all patients attending the clinic will be required to wear a face mask. If you arrive at the clinic without a mask, we will provide you with one before entry is permitted;
We regret that attendance at the clinic is limited to the patient undergoing treatment only. Unfortunately, partners and children will not be admitted into the clinic;
All patients will be required to check in via the COVID-19 SafeWA app or manual register;
As access to the clinic will be restricted, please be patient with us and allow extra time for your appointment/s;
We will continue to adhere to our already stringent hygiene and social distancing procedures.

In return, we ask that you please:

use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days

We appreciate just how critical your treatment is and the Team at Fertility North are here to support you every step of the way.

Updated: 31st January 2021 – 21:00

IMPORTANT UPDATE

ALL ACTIVE TREATMENT CYCLES will continue as planned. If not already, our Nursing Team will contact you to advise you of the impact, if any, to your treatment cycle as soon as possible;
All consultations (Nurse and Doctor) will be conducted remotely. Our reception staff will contact you in advance of your appointment to make the necessary arrangements;
Clinipath have assured us that they plan to keep as many blood collection centres open as possible.
All patients attending the clinic will be required to confirm they are not at risk of COViD. Exposure at any of the identified “hotspots” (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/…/Locations-visited-by…) will require immediate COViD testing and entry will not be permitted to Fertility North without evidence of a NEGATIVE test result;
In accordance with WA Health guidelines, all patients attending the clinic will be required to wear a face mask. If you arrive at the clinic without a mask, we will provide you with one before entry is permitted;
We regret that attendance at the clinic is limited to the patient undergoing treatment only. Unfortunately, partners and children will not be admitted into the clinic;
All patients will be required to check in via the COVID-19 SafeWA app or manual register;
As access to the clinic will be restricted, please be patient with us and allow extra time for your appointment/s;
We will continue to adhere to our already stringent hygiene and social distancing procedures.

In return, we ask that you please:

use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days

We appreciate just how critical your treatment is and the Team at Fertility North are here to support you every step of the way.

Updated: 19th November 2020 – 09:45

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

It has been some time since our last update, and thankfully that is because Western Australia has continued to be successful in its management of the COViD crisis. Fertility North will continue to monitor advice from the state and federal health departments and we will adapt our practices as required to ensure that we adhere to Government requirements, regulatory advisories and best practice recommendations whilst striving to also maintain the most efficient and hassle-free service to our patients.

We will persist with a number of operational changes at Fertility North:

all blood tests will continue to be conducted off site;
continuing our already-stringent health and hygiene practices – we have increased the time between appointments to allow additional cleaning measures, as well as increasing the overall frequency and intensity of cleaning and disinfection procedures in all areas of the clinic;
minimising patient throughput – we want to lower your chance of being exposed to COVID-19, so you will notice that we will reduce the frequency and duration of your visits to the health campus and clinic; and
supporting social distancing recommendations.

In return, we ask that you please:

use the hand sanitiser provided prior to entering the clinic;
maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible;
where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; and
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days

We understand adapting to this “new normal” may be challenging for some and we are grateful for your ongoing support and understanding. Should you feel you would benefit from additional care or guidance during this time, please do not hesitate to ask – our staff are here to assist you. Please contact the clinic on (08) 9301 1075 if you have any further queries or concerns.

Updated: 13th May 2020 – 15:45

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

Thank you once again to our patients and amazing staff as we continue to adapt in this ever-changing environment we find ourselves in.

Now that we are settling into this new way of life, Fertility North is continuing to evolve its practices to ensure that we adhere to Government requirements, regulatory advisories and best practice recommendations whilst striving to also maintain the most efficient and hassle-free service to our patients.

From tomorrow (Thursday 14th May 2020), our clinic doors will remain open, but we have updated some of our protective measures as follows:

Please utilise the hand santiser station and complete the Coronavirus Declaration prior to entering the clinic;
Present your completed declaration to Reception staff who will conduct a temperature check.

In order to comply to social distancing requirements, we will:

Limit patient numbers in the waiting area to a maximum of 25;
Adhere to a Single Entry Policy, unfortunately attendance by partners, support persons and children is strongly discouraged;
Implement allocated seating.

You may also notice a number of operational changes at Fertility North that will continue:

all blood tests will continue to be conducted off site;
Doctors consultations may be done remotely (Telehealth, Skype);
Nurse consultations may be done remotely (Telehealth, Skype for consent appointments, drug demonstrations etc); and
ultrasounds are done by appointment only, at times staggered throughout the day to permit increased cleaning and disinfection measures;

And, we will carry on with previously implemented measures, such as:

maintaining our already-stringent health and hygiene practices – we have increased the time between appointments to allow additional cleaning measures, as well as increasing the overall frequency and intensity of cleaning and disinfection procedures in all areas of the clinic;
minimising patient throughput – we want to lower your chance of being exposed to COVID-19, so you will notice that we will reduce the frequency and duration of your visits to the health campus and clinic; and
supporting social distancing recommendations – you will notice fewer staff at the clinic with as many staff as possible working from home.

In return, we ask that you please:

DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you are suffering from a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath;
DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days
where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible; and
understand that partners and support people may not be permitted to enter.

We understand that we are still not back to “life as we knew it” and these ongoing changes may be challenging for many. Should you feel you would benefit from extra support or guidance during this time, our staff are here to assist you. Please contact the clinic on 9301 1075 to find out how you can get your treatment journey back up and running, or if you have any further queries or concerns.

We are so grateful for your ongoing understanding and support during such a changeable and testing time. We continue to strive towards providing you with the best service possible and look forward to supporting you on your treatment journey.

With kind regards from all of us at Fertility North.

Updated: 21st April 2020 – 14:30

The Australian Government today announced that due to the overwhelming success of Australia’s efforts to “flatten the curve”, the restrictions put in place several weeks ago that saw the cessation of IVF and other related fertility services will be lifted following the ANZAC Day public holiday, next Monday 27th April, 2020 (https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-210420).

We know that this will come as a huge relief to many of our patients, as it has for our Team here at the clinic.

Our Management Team met today to discuss the reopening process and how we will maintain a safe environment for staff and patients. Fertility North will continue to:

maintain our already-stringent health and hygiene practices – we have increased the time between appointments to allow additional cleaning measures, as well as increasing the overall frequency and intensity of cleaning and disinfection procedures in all areas of the clinic;
minimise patient throughput – we want to lower your chance of being exposed to COVID-19, so you will notice that we will reduce the frequency and duration of your visits to the health campus and clinic; and
supporting social distancing recommendations – by minimising interpersonal contact, we can lessen the spread of COVID-19, so you will notice fewer staff at the clinic with as many staff as possible working from home.

You may also notice a number of operational changes at Fertility North.

All blood tests are now conducted off site;
Doctors consultations may be done remotely (Telehealth, Skype);
Nurse consultations may be done remotely (Telehealth, Skype for consent appointments, drug demonstrations etc); and
Ultrasounds are done by appointment only, at times staggered throughout the day to permit increased cleaning and disinfection measures;

In return, we ask that you please:

Do NOT to attend the clinic if you are suffering from a sore throat, shortness of breath, cough or fever;
Where possible, avoid bringing children with you to the clinic;
Maintain social distancing requirements within the clinic wherever possible; and
Understand that partners and support people may not be permitted to enter clinical areas.

Please contact the clinic on 9301 1075 to find out how you can get your treatment journey back up and running, or should you have any further queries or concerns.

We are so grateful for your ongoing understanding and support during this challenging time and we look forward to welcoming you through our doors again next week!

From the Team at Fertility North.

Updated: 31st March 2020 – 14:20

The Fertility Society of Australia (FSA) has today released information for patients of all fertility clinics. It outlines comprehensively the reasons behind the decision to suspend fertility treatment, as well as answers some of the burning questions many of our patients have been asking. Please click on the link below to be taken to their page.

In the meantime, please be reassured that the team at Fertility North are working hard behind the scenes to ensure we can support you as best as we can during this uncertain time, but also so that when it has been deemed safe to do so, we are prepared to recommence our investigation and treatment services quickly and efficiently.

We will continue to update our website and social media channels as and when information changes. However, should you have any queries or concerns in the interim, please do not hesitate to contact us: admin@fertilitynorth.com.au or 08 9301 1075.

Take care,

From the Team at Fertility North.

update on 25/03/2020

Updated: 24th March 2020 – 19:35

You may have noticed our update from earlier this evening has been removed. The current #covidcrisis is an evolving beast and here at Fertility North, we are doing our very best to evolve with it.

The Covid Task Force within the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA) are meeting again tonight, and it is with that in mind that we have withdrawn our earlier announcement.

Our Executive Team will be meeting to discuss the latest advice from the Australian Government, FSA and RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) first thing tomorrow morning (Wednesday 25th March) and we will update you as soon as possible.

Thank you for rolling with the punches with us!

Take care,

From the Team at Fertility North.

Updated: 18th March 2020

updated 18/03/2020

Updated: 10th March 2020

updated 10/03/2020

There is so much more to IVF

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