Women’s healthcare in Geelong will receive another boost, with a free virtual women’s health clinic set to launch before the middle of the year.
Part of the state government’s $153 million women’s health package, the virtual clinic will facilitate access to services such as endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health care and abortion.
Available via telehealth or online, the clinic will be led by specialist nurses and deliver initial health assessments and some treatment followed by referrals to GPs and other healthcare services.
The service, delivered in partnership with community health organisation EACH, is intended to reduce barriers to care for women in the region and will also provide access to mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence community support services.
Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the gender health gap was real, especially for women in regional areas.
“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.”
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the Allan Labor government was “transforming the way women’s health is treated in Victoria”.
“This new clinic will make a huge difference for women across Geelong, providing them with free and easily accessible healthcare,” Ms Couzens said.
