Virtual women’s health clinic to launch in Victoria

The Victorian government will launch a virtual women’s health clinic before the middle of the year in a bid to reduce the barriers and delays commonly experienced by women when accessing healthcare.

To be delivered by community health organisation EACH, the clinic will offer free, expert advice, treatment and care for a range of women’s health concerns, including endometriosis, menopause and abortion.

The clinic will be led by specialist nurses, with the service providing an initial health assessment and some treatment via telehealth or phone, and helping to connect patients with a GP or relevant health practitioner when further care is required.

The service will also be able to make referrals to other support services, including mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs and family violence community support services.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced the new clinic last week, noting the service was more important than ever, as delays in getting access to care can have detrimental impacts on a woman’s quality of life.

“We know the gender health gap is real, especially for women living in regional or remote areas of Victoria – that is why we’re establishing this virtual women’s clinic to help breakdown the barriers to care,” she said.

“Abortion care is healthcare, and while we have already made abortion more accessible, we know there is more to do – because Victorian women deserve to have a choice, no matter where they live.”

Meanwhile, Geelong MP Christine Couzens and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the clinic will “make a huge difference” for women across the region, helping to provide them with free and easily accessible healthcare “no matter their background or location”.