Adelaide and Western Sydney patients will now be able to access expert, multidisciplinary care with the opening of two new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics.
The Australia-first clinics will now be available for more women seeking specialised care, increasing the number of clinics from 20 to 22 delivered by the Albanese Labor Government. The clinics are available in every state and territory in metropolitan and regional locations.
Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 Australian women and can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of those with the condition. Sufferers wait on average 7 years before diagnosis.
New research shows that 1 in 2 Australian women experience pelvic pain and 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 a year.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney will officially open the Adelaide clinic today 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.
These clinics are supported by the National Action Plan for Endometriosis, which provides a blueprint to increase research and improve diagnosis, treatment and understanding of the condition.
Attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney
"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.
"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."
Attributable to Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost
"This Clinic is welcome for the people of Adelaide and is a much-needed health service in South Australia."
"Endometriosis can be debilitating and clinics such as these provide easier access for patients to get an early diagnosis which is essential".
"Access to specialised services helps to address the inequities that exist in women's health, and I welcome one of Australia's first Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics opening here in my community."
