Orange and the surrounding region can now access expert, multidisciplinary care with the opening of one of Australia's first Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics at the Orange Family Medical Centre.
Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 Australian women and can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers. With those suffering waiting on average of seven years before diagnosis.
Pelvic pain can be similarly complex and debilitating, with the impact being felt beyond individuals as it is estimated to cost the Australian economy $6 billion a year.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride today officially opened the Orange clinic that is being provided $700,000 over four years. The funding can be used to hire specialised staff such as nurse practitioners and allied health professionals, pelvic physiotherapy services or resources and training.
The clinic will also use the funding to build professional knowledge and skills in this area, improve access to information and care pathways, as well as raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain.
The Orange clinic is one of six in New South Wales and one of 20 across Australia funded by the Australian Government, as part of a $58.3 million package for endometriosis and pelvic pain announced in the 2022-23 Budget.
Patients are able to access the clinics by booking an appointment directly.
This funding is supported by the National Action Plan for Endometriosis, which provides a blueprint to increase research and improve diagnosis, treatment and understanding of the condition.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP"
"Too many women suffer for years with what we know can be debilitating conditions, and it often affects their work, education and personal lives. They deserve to have their concerns taken seriously with better access to specialised care.
"I'm proud that we are delivering this clinic to Orange and the surrounding region. It's so important that people in the regions with serious health challenges can get specialised care from highly trained professionals.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride MP"
"Getting health care in rural and regional areas can be a challenge, but it's especially difficult for those needing specialised care for conditions like endometriosis and pelvic pain.
"The Orange Family Medical Centre already supports women at every stage of life. This funding supports their team to deliver even more for the community, to better support local women with endometriosis and pelvic pain.
"This is just one way the Australian Government is improving access to specialised health care in rural and regional areas."
