Women’s health focus for service expansion

BENDIGO hospital would become the site of a dedicated women’s health clinic as part of a seventy-one-million-dollar statewide Labor election pledge to improve the sector.

Premier Daniel Andrews announce the spend last Tuesday, headlined by $58 million to build 20 women’s health clinics that would be “a one-stop shop for women needing treatment or advice on issues from contraception to pelvic pain.”

“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.”

The expanded services aim to improve support for those suffering from conditions including endometriosis, which affects an estimated 200,000 women, some of whom who wait seven years on average for a diagnosis.

The initiative would include 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.

Also part of the pledge is $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.

Bendigo would be the site one of the eight regional health services that would have a new women’s health clinic, with a further 12 slated for Melbourne.

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