Costs lowered for local women’s health

FEDERAL Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters visited Bendigo Community Health Services’ (BCHS) Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic recently to celebrate the clinic’s first year in operation.

While she was there she announced the Federal government’s new $573.3 million investment into women’s health, part of which will go towards expanding BCHS’ capacity for menopause and perimenopause services.

The bulk of the funds, however, will go towards providing better access to cheaper contraceptives nationwide and more services.

BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson the funding will support the clinic to keeping on delivering much-needed help to people suffering from the impacts of endometriosis, pelvic pain, menopause and perimenopause.

“As awareness in the community grows about interventions to assist women through menopause and perimenopause, so do the phone calls to our clinic from women seeking support,” she said.

“We already offer longer appointments for these women, and this funding allocation will allow us to continue to do that.

“We are pleased that women are being heard.”

Ms Chesters said while the community has come a long way from the days of talking about women’s health being a taboo conversation topic, for too long access and affordability have been barriers to many people receiving the healthcare they need.

“This package will see more clinics opened, and their services expanded to include support for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause,” she said.

A new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, plus the first-ever menopause clinical guidelines and a national awareness campaign will also be introduced across Australia.