Andrews promises Geelong women’s health care boost under $71m pledge

A GEELONG women’s health clinic would be expanded to five days a week under a $71 million Labor election commitment to improve the sector.

Daniel Andrews was at University Hospital Geelong this morning to announce the funding boost, headlined by $58 million to build 20 women’s health clinics that Labor said would be “a one-stop shop for women needing treatment or advice on issues from contraception to pelvic pain”.

Barwon Health currently runs a clinic for one day a week but would have significantly increased capacity if Labor wins the coming state election.

The expanded services aim to improve support for Victorian women suffering from conditions including endometriosis, which affects an estimated 200,000 women who wait seven years on average for a diagnosis, and menopause, which causes symptoms for around 85 per cent of women.

The initiative would involve consultation for Aboriginal-led health clinics to provide tailored support, while the new services would also involve “culturally-appropriate care” for women from diverse backgrounds.

The pledge also includes $2 million for scholarships to recruit 100 new specialists to staff the clinics, $5.3 million for a mobile clinic to reach remote areas and $6.4 million to establish nine more sexual and reproductive health hubs to support contraception and pregnancy services.

“For too long, too many women haven’t been listened to and their health issues have been ignored. This plan will transform women’s healthcare, ensuring every Victorian woman can access the support and treatment they need and deserve,” Mr Andrews said.

“Some of the most common conditions experienced by women go undiagnosed and untreated – tragically, sometimes until it’s too late. This is about making sure women have the care, and peace of mind, they need.”

Geelong is one of eight regional health services that would have a new women’s health clinic, with a further 12 slated for Melbourne.

Today’s announcement follows an earlier Labor election commitment for a $500 million women’s and children hospital at Barwon Health’s Geelong site.

On the weekend, Labor also promised $23 million for 1500 period product dispensers in public places across Victoria.