Assistant health minister Ged Kearney has announced that patients in Adelaide and Western Sydney can now access expert, multidisciplinary care with the opening of two new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics.
The Australia-first clinics are available for more women seeking specialised care, increasing the number of clinics from 20 to 22. The clinics are available in every state and territory in metropolitan and regional locations.
Endometriosis affects at least one in nine Australian women and can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of those with the condition. Sufferers wait, on average, seven years before diagnosis.
New research shows that one in two Australian women experience pelvic pain. Half of those women do not discuss their symptoms with a doctor despite significant impacts on work or study. The impact of pelvic pain is felt beyond individuals, as it is estimated to cost the Australian economy almost $10 billion annually.
Assistant health minister Ged Kearney officially opened the Adelaide clinic at Thrive Family Practice in Glenelg.
An additional clinic in Greater Western Sydney, Rouse Hill Town Medical and Dental Centre, has also been selected.
The funding can be used to hire specialised staff such as nurse practitioners and allied health professionals, pelvic physiotherapy services or resources and training.
As well as directly helping patients, the clinics will raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain, build professional knowledge and skills in this area, and improve access to information and care pathways.
Patients will be able to access the clinics by booking an appointment directly.
“Just this week, new research has shown that 1 in 2 Australian women suffer from pelvic pain and it can have a devastating impact on their daily lives – and many of them are not seeking help from a doctor," said Assistant Minister Kearney.
“We want women to know that they can seek support and care at these clinics, that they will be believed and there are treatment options available to them.
“I am delighted to be in Glenelg today to announce our expansion of the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics so that more women can access specialised care.
“These Clinics are about providing women with an accessible front door to the care that they need. Gathering expertise under one roof, fostering that knowledge to improve diagnosis and services, having referral pathways in place – these are all crucial elements to getting the support that women need right.”