A number of embryos have been infected with bacteria at a fertility clinic within a major Sydney hospital.
Sydney Local Health District has confirmed they’re investigating the source of the bacterial infection, which is understood to have affected “several” embryos within the clinic at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
At least three women who have used the clinic have had their embryos destroyed.
One of the women told the ABC they felt “distressed” and needed to “go offline” for a few days to process the incident.
“We acknowledge this is a difficult time for the patients affected and sincerely apologise,” a Sydney Local Health District spokesman said.
“RPA has notified those affected and offered support.”
Patients with fertility appointments at RPA will have their appointments moved to a different facility while the clinic undergoes a deep clean.
“All other appointments at the fertility unit remain unchanged,” the spokesman said.
It’s expected the RPA fertility clinic will reopen on Wednesday August 23.
IVF Australia says the estimated out of pocket costs for a single IVF cycle is about $5550 after the Medicare rebate.
The RPA Hospital Fertility Unit is a unique service within the NSW public health system, according to its website.
The unit is a collaboration between the public health sector and private health fertility provider Genea and RPAH, that offers public patients more affordable treatment of about $1000.
“This partnership gives you an affordable, quality IVF service,” the website says.