The Women's Health Services Network (WHSN) welcomes the release of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee's final report on issues related to menopause and perimenopause. The report, which incorporates many key recommendations from the WHSN submission, represents a significant step towards improving menopause care and support for women across Australia.
Kit McMahon, CEO of Women's Health in the South East and Acting Chair of the WHSN, expressed the sectors thanks for the Federal Government's inquiry:
"We thank the Australian Government for this thorough report and for the opportunity to contribute to this vital conversation. It's heartening to see that the lived experiences of women have been heard and reflected in the recommendations. The alignment between our submission and the report's findings on research needs, healthcare workforce education, and improving access to care is particularly encouraging."
McMahon added, "While we're pleased with much of the report, there are areas where we believe more can be done, particularly in addressing social determinants of health and taking a stronger intersectional approach to menopause care."
Marianne Hendron, CEO of Women's Health Grampians and Acting Deputy Chair of the WHSN, highlighted the importance of addressing rural barriers:
"The Australian Government has a unique opportunity to address the significant barriers faced by women in rural and regional areas when accessing menopause care. We're pleased to see the report acknowledge these challenges, but we urge the government to take bold action in implementing solutions that will truly make a difference in these communities."
Hendron also added "Crucially, we need to improve the way our doctors and health professionals are trained to support women through menopause. The recent Victorian Inquiry into Women's Pain consistently highlighted the need to enhance the capacity and capability of health practitioners in women's health. This Senate inquiry reinforces that need, particularly for menopause care. By investing in better education for healthcare providers, we can ensure that women, regardless of where they live, receive the understanding, support, and treatment they deserve during this significant life transition."
The WHSN is particularly pleased to see the report's recommendations align with their submission in key areas such as:
- Investing in comprehensive research on menopause experiences and impacts
- Improving medical practitioner training on menopause care
- Reviewing Medicare Benefits Schedule items and improving access to Menopause Hormone Therapy
- Launching a national awareness campaign to address stigma and improve understanding
Sally Hasler is CEO of Women's Health Victoria, which led the WHSN submission and represented the network at the Senate hearings. "Further research is vital, and it must lead to real-world outcomes for women who are often left behind by the system", Hasler said. "All women, regardless of their background, should be able to access high-quality menopause care that respects their cultural and personal needs."
The Victorian Women's Health Services look forward to supporting the Federal Government in their ongoing work to create an equitable health system for all Australians. We stand ready to contribute our expertise and community connections to ensure these important recommendations are implemented effectively.
