At the launch of the expanded South Eastern NSW Centre for Menopause, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain are (from left) specialist women’s health nurse Susan Wilford, COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN CEO Prudence Buist, Dr Katie Macartney, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips and Dr Sally Carter. Photo: Supplied.
Women from Helensburgh to the Victorian border now have access to perimenopause and menopause health services after the expansion of a specialised clinic.
The South Eastern NSW Centre for Menopause, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain is a service designed to assess, diagnose, manage and educate women experiencing symptoms.
The multidisciplinary team works collaboratively with the patient’s own general practitioner who provides ongoing care.
Additional federal government funding has allowed the centre to extend the service, based at the Milton Medical Centre, to provide specialised service two days a week.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the funding would help more women and girls to access an earlier diagnosis, improve access to pain management and referral pathways to other health care providers.
“For too long, women experiencing endometriosis and pelvic pain, as well as perimenopause and menopause symptoms, have faced delays, uncertainty and lack of support,” she said.
“This clinic will literally change lives by helping women and girls get the compassionate care, specialised treatment and answers they need and deserve.”
COORDINARE South Eastern NSW PHN CEO Prudence Buist said while many GPs offered care for women’s conditions, having the specialised clinic in Milton provided an additional option for those dealing with often-debilitating issues.
“As part of the service, a specialist nurse plays a central role in coordinating support and helping patients navigate what can often be a complex and overwhelming health system. The clinic also works alongside the patient’s usual GP,” she said.
Ms Buist said people living with these conditions often required a holistic approach over an extended period.
The clinic will help connect patients with local diagnostic, allied health and specialist services, both on- and off-site, to ensure treatment is connected, coordinated and centred around the patient’s individual needs.
The endo clinic operates on Tuesdays, while the new menopause clinic will be open on Mondays with a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist (on-site on Tuesdays), as well as access to resources and information for patients, developed by a multidisciplinary team.
Appointments will be available in-person for people who live within two hours, or via telehealth for those who are more than two hours away.
The clinic accepts GP referrals and self-referrals via email at [email protected] or phone on 02 4455 5755.
Original Article published by Jen White on Region Illawarra.
