By Callum Ludwig
Funding for 20 new dedicated women’s health clinics across the state, with one to come at Maroondah Hospital – soon to be renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital.
The clinics will help provide care and aid for women throughout the outer east and will be best placed to assist with conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in managing perimenopause and menopause.
“We are pleased to receive news for improving the care of women across Victoria,” said an Eastern Health spokesperson.
“Eastern Health looks forward to working with the government on the specifics of this important investment into our community.”
Specialists such as gynaecologists and urologists will operate from the new clinic when it is in operation, with specialist nurses and allied health support also on site. 100 extra scholarships will be provided to help train more of the staff that will service the clinics.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said in a statement that this comprehensive package to transform women’s health is about ensuring every Victorian woman can access the support and treatment they need and deserve.
“We’re creating new services, delivering more surgery and training specialised staff to deliver the wraparound care and treatment Victorian women suffering from endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and severe menopausal symptoms need.”
Five of the 20 clinics will be established each year for the next four years, with the order yet to be decided.
Premier Daniel Andrews said in a statement that this package is about giving women’s health the focus and funding it deserves.
“For too long women haven’t been listened to and their health issues have been ignored,” he said.
“We’re doing what matters – removing the barriers that women face so they can get the care they need, when and where they need it.”
An inquiry into women’s pain management and a Women’s Health Advisory Council will also be launched this year.
