A free comprehensive women’s health clinic at Barwon Health Geelong will extend its services to remove barriers women face when accessing specialist care.
The existing clinic will operate five days a week following an announcement on Tuesday, April 2, that it would be included in the state government’s $153 million women’s health package investment.
Member for Lara Ella George said the Geelong Women’s Health Clinic was an example of “putting women’s health front and center” to ensure women’s pain is not “overlooked”.
“The new Women’s Health Clinic at Geelong is another example of the Allan Labor Government’s investment into local health services,” she said.
“Women in our community will be able to access the world class care they deserve for a range of complex conditions easily all while being close to home.”
Premier Jacinta Allan said it was essential to transform how women’s health was treated in Victoria positively.
“Victoria is leading the way, first by listening to women and what they experience, and then by delivering the care and services they need,” she said.
Services will be delivered by hardworking gynecologists, urologists, specialist nursing and allied health support under one roof to help women access specialist care for various conditions.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said Northern Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital, Frankston Hospital and Ballarat Base Hospital will also receive new or extended clinics.
“These new clinics will make a huge difference, delivering affordable and comprehensive healthcare for every woman, no matter her postcode,” she said.
Five clinics will open yearly for the next four years as part of the state government’s package, including culturally safe Aboriginal-led and mobile women’s health clinics.
The announcement coincided with the opening of the Women’s Pain Survey, which seeks the views of women and girls who have experiences with pain and accessing related services.
Visit engage.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain-survey to access the survey.
