Embargoed until: 14th October 2009
Fertility Centre to generate up to $40 million a year for the Australian tourism
industry
Cairns Fertility Centre: The newly opened Cairns Fertility Centre, offering
domestic and international patients cutting-edge treatment in one of the world’s
most idyllic tourism destinations, is expected to generate millions of dollars every
year for the Australian tourism economy as well as boost the country’s medical
reputation. The centre, located in one of the world’s most beautiful natural
tourism destinations, has the latest equipment and cutting edge technology.
Cairns and the surrounding Tropical North Queensland region attracted about 2.2
million visitors in the year ending June 20091. The combination of domestic and
international tourists spent a total of $2.2 billion AUD in the area during this
period2. The Cairns Fertility Centre is set to add to this by attracting around
2,000 couples per year at full capacity, leading to a demand of up to 42,000 hotel
room nights. Based on each person staying for an average of 21 nights, the facility
is forecast to bring in up to a further $40 million AUD a year for the regional
economy3.
Worldwide the medical tourism sector is expanding fast. It is currently estimated
to be worth almost $50 billion with some forecasters believing the value could
double in the next five years. At present India, Singapore and Thailand are
operating successfully in the medical tourism sector and with the opening of the
Cairns Fertility Centre, Tropical North Queensland will soon be joining them.
1
National & International Visitor Survey, Tourism Australia, Ending June 2009
2
National & International Visitor Survey, Tourism Australia, Ending June 2009
3
Calculations based on 2000 couples (Cairns Fertility Centre at full capacity for a year)
each staying for an average of 21 nights. Calculations include treatment, accommodation
and tourist activities
Page 2 of 3
CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Rob Giason said, “The Cairns
Fertility Centre builds on the international reputation of the Cairns and Great
Barrier Reef region as being an innovator and leader in Australian tourism.”
Jeremy Blockey, President of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce said the Cairns
Fertility Centre is an initiative that adds a new dimension both to health services
and niche tourism markets. “There’s been much said about the potential for
medical tourism, and now we have a purpose built fertility centre that will enable
Cairns to capture international interest.”
The team at the Cairns Fertility Centre is using leading, cutting-edge technology to
keep embryos in optimum condition, thus maximising the chances of successful
IVF treatment. The revolutionary embryo camera is the only one in use in
Australia. It sits inside an incubator and allows the medical team to continually
monitor development in real time, 24/7, without having to open the door of the
incubator. This means embryos will have minimal exposure to the outside
environment. Embryos are sensitive to temperature and PH changes. If exposed
to temperatures that are too hot or too cold, their viability may be diminished and
the pregnancy rate may be reduced.
The state-of-the-art technology is combined with a range of holistic therapy, to
ensure optimal relaxation and comfort is provided alongside the highest quality
medical care. A wide scale of fertility treatment is available including timed
intercourse, intrauterine insemination and IVF. The day hospital suite, housed
within the centre, will fully integrate the various clinical, laboratory, counselling,
nutritional and naturopathic services under one roof. Infertility related procedures
as well as ancillary procedures such as urology, andrology and gynaecology can be
performed in the advanced operating theatre setting.
This world-class facility stems from the success of Western Australia’s leading
fertility clinic, the PIVET Medical Centre. PIVET’s Medical Director Dr. John
Yovich will lead the specialist team in Cairns. He is widely acknowledged for his
Page 3 of 3
pioneering work in IVF, resulting in Western Australia’s first IVF baby delivered
in 1982. Dr. Yovich and his team have undergone extensive training in the use of
keyhole surgery within major infertility clinics both in the US and UK. PIVET has
been at the leading edge of research and procedural implementation for 27 years,
has amongst the highest success rates in the country, 35% across all age groups,
and has remained at the forefront of developing advanced IVF techniques.
Specialist medical staff from PIVET have relocated to Cairns, where they plan to
replicate their high success rate through their vast experience and technology.
Cairns Fertility Centre’s Director Doug Yek said, “Having the right mindset is vital
for couples to succeed in IVF treatment. Cairns is the perfect location - as well as
being reassured by Australia’s high standards of healthcare, you’re also guaranteed
the relaxing atmosphere of a world-class idyllic location. Domestic and
international patients will be required to stay to stay in Cairns for about three
weeks on average. In between medical appointments, they’ll no doubt be looking at
ways to spend their time in the city and surrounding region. When you add up the
potential revenue from the actual fertility treatment, the region’s luxury
accommodation, tours, transport and meals, this centre is forecast to generate up
to $40 million input to the local economy as well as create many job opportunities.”
Notes to editor:
The Cairns Fertility Centre opened for business in September 2009
The official launch of the centre is on Thursday 22nd October
The press conference, short tours of the facility, photo opportunities and
one-on-one interview opportunities will be held at 1500 hours on Thursday
22nd October at the Cairns Fertility Centre, 58-60 Mcleod Street, Cairns.
To confirm attendance, or for further information and interviews please contact:
Ray Sadri on +61 (0)8 9218 8622 or +61 (0)432 530 443.
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