While the Brisbane bungle occurred at least a year earlier, it was only discovered when the woman’s embryos were being relocated to another clinic.
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In the ASX statement, Monash said the incident at their Clayton premises on June 5 was under investigation, and they had apologised to the couple involved.
“Commencing immediately, Monash IVF will implement interim additional verification processes and patient confirmation safeguards over and above normal practice,” the statement said.
“Monash IVF has extended its sincere apologies to the affected couple, and we continue to support them.
“Monash IVF is conducting an internal investigation into the incident. It has also extended the scope of the independent review being conducted by Fiona McLeod AO SC in relation to the Brisbane incident, noting that the different incidents occurred some years apart.”
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Monash IVF said it had informed the Victorian Health Regulator and the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC), which oversee the assisted reproductive technology sector, of the incident.
The RTAC is a subcommittee of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, whose president Dr Petra Wale moved to reassure the public that Australia’s fertility care system is among the “safest, most transparent, and tightly regulated in the world”.
“Our thoughts are with the family directly affected by this event. Although the embryo transferred was the patient’s own, we acknowledge the emotional toll this has taken and extend our heartfelt sympathies to those involved,” Wale said.
“Over the years, these professionals have enabled thousands of successful pregnancies and brought immense joy to many.
“While these incidents are deeply difficult for those affected, they are exceedingly rare and must be taken seriously, without losing sight of the overwhelming positive contributions made by the sector.”
The fertility giant confirmed the step-up in safeguards for its patients would include additional verification processes and electronic witness systems.
“Whilst industry-leading electronic witness systems have and are being rolled out across Monash IVF, there remains instances and circumstances whereby manual witnessing is required.”
Monash IVF’s share price started the day trading at 74 cents but dropped to 65 cents by 11:30am after it notified the ASX of the Clayton incident.
It continues a dramatic drop for Monash IVF investors, who saw their stocks plunge from $1.08 to 69 cents when news of its Brisbane embryo mix-up became public on April 11.
The group’s shares traded at $1.42 in August last year.
After the Brisbane bungle, the ASX ordered Monash IVF to explain why it failed to raise the alarm with shareholders when it occurred.
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