The first families to be treated at Sunshine Hospital’s public fertility clinic have celebrated Mother’s Day.
Trang, mum of Willow, and Megan, mum of Constance, generously shared their difficult journeys to motherhood in an interview on Nine's Today Show. 
Their joy at welcoming their beautiful baby daughters was clear.
‘I don’t think I can actually describe it,’ said Megan, who suffered seven miscarriages during seven years of trying for a baby with partner Jayme.
‘There’s just so much happiness and love.’
Trang and husband John were thrilled to finally be able to give their sons, Connor and Spencer, a little sister.
Trang even took Willow back to Sunshine to meet the Western Health team who helped guide her through her fertility treatment and pregnancy, much to the delight of midwives Dani Gashi and Nhu Trang.
‘It’s really special to have Mother’s Day with Willow this year. We feel like our family is complete now, in all honesty,’ said Trang.
Victoria’s Public Fertility Care program, led by the Royal Women’s Hospital, began in 2022. Western Health was one of the next health services to join the program, opening the Sunshine Hospital clinic in late 2023.
So far, six babies have been born as a result of treatment at the Sunshine clinic, which is based at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s. It provides infertility assessment clinics, IVF cycle management, pathology services, ultrasound capability, and pregnancy testing.
Lisa Smith, Divisional Director, Women’s and Children’s, said Western Health was proud to have partnered with the Royal Women’s Hospital to establish a public fertility service for families across Melbourne’s west.
‘This service, funded by the Department of Health, aims to improve access to fertility services for people who cannot access private services, including low-income earners, LGTBTIQ+ individuals, single people, and those needing fertility preservation due to medical treatment,’ Lisa said.
‘This initiative ensures that comprehensive, world-class fertility treatment is available to individuals and couples of all genders who meet the relevant criteria.’
Samantha Mineo, Operations Manager, Women’s Health said: ‘I am incredibly proud of the Western Health public fertility service, which stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care.
‘Our dedicated nurses provide exceptional support to patients every step of the way, ensuring they feel informed and cared for throughout their fertility journey.
‘This service is a shining example of the strong, collaborative partnership between the Women’s and Western Health, working together to improve health equity and make fertility treatment more accessible to all who need it.’
Watch the Today Show story.
