Twenty new women’s health clinics are to be established in Victoria over the next four years under Victoria’s Budget 2023/24.
Announced by Premier Daniel Andrews, the clinics are to provide free care and support to Victorians experiencing conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and those managing the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
“The clinics will give women access to specialists including gynaecologists and urologists, alongside specialist nursing and allied health support in one spot – making it easier and faster to access the world-class care women deserve,” Mr Andrews said.
“With five clinics to be established every year over the next four years across Victoria – including one at the Royal Women’s Hospital, as part of the first five – we’ll remove the barriers women face accessing the care they need, by giving them specialist services, close to home and at no cost,” he said.
“We’ll also work with Aboriginal-health organisations to deliver a dedicated Aboriginal-led women’s health clinic.”
Mr Andrews said a mobile Women’s Health Clinic would also be delivered to visit remote parts of the State.
He said Victoria’s network of sexual and reproductive health hubs would be expanded – establishing another nine by 2025 to bring total number of sites to 20 – to offer information and advice on contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health.
“To make sure we have the highly skilled doctors, nurses and allied health professionals trained in providing the best care to women and girls, we’ll provide scholarships for 100 extra specialists,” the Premier said.
“We’ll launch an inquiry into women’s pain management this year, to examine systemic issues and find solutions, chaired by a panel of experts who will hear directly from women from a range of backgrounds and their experience accessing treatment,” he said.
“We’ll double the number of endometriosis and associated condition surgeries – delivering an extra 10,800 extra laparoscopy surgeries over four years.”
