Available Services

The Department of Human Services funds high quality, integrated public genetic services in Victoria providing:

• Diagnosis
• Clinical care
• Counselling
• Screening
• Predictive testing
• Education and
• Professional training.

Services are available for children, adults and their families, and may be provided in consultation with other medical specialists in areas such as oncology, neurology and cardiology.   Access is generally by referral from a general practitioner, except in the case of newborn screening, which is available to all babies at birth.  Genetic clinics are located in major metropolitan public hospitals and some regional and rural centres.  Some clinics are general, covering all genetic conditions, while others are staffed to address specific conditions such as familial cancer or neurogenetics. Further information about newborn screening is available though the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au).

Support for Consumers and Carers

The Genetic Support Network of Victoria (GSNV) is a community resource for people affected by genetic conditions and their families, condition-focused support groups, health professionals, government and the general community.  It offers a range of services including information on genetic conditions, contact details for support groups, and can also establish links between families with the same condition, existing support groups, or help establish new groups..  It also represents the interests and views of these people and their families to the community, State and Federal Governments.  Further information about GSNV is available at www.gsnv.org.au.