Harper Sercombe
Northern Health will be home to a new women’s health clinic as a part of a $153 million investment by the state government.
The clinic will provide free care and support to women experiencing conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome and those managing the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
The centre will give women access to specialists including gynaecologists and urologists.
The government has also committed to Victoria’s first women’s health advisory council by July. The government said it will give independent advice on the delivery of their women’s health package, including how to improve women’s health outcomes, reduce gender health disparities, enhance research and strengthen the safety and quality of care.
Women’s Health in the North (WHIN) chief executive Helen Riseborough said she looks forward to working with the government to ensure the funding commitments in this budget are available for all women.
“The investment in the women’s health clinics is most welcome and we look forward to future investment in primary prevention and health promotion because we know that this work stops illness,” she said.
“It is vital the lived experience of women’s health and well being is centred in our work going forward.
“This long-term work requires ongoing investment, and we are not there yet.”
The Women’s Health Services Network released a ‘report card’ for the most recent state budget funding, they believe that more work can and should be done.
“[The investment] does not adequately support the holistic well being of all women or address the root causes of ill health,” they said.
“We ask government to provide clearer insights into how gender responsive budgeting is applied to specific programs and its intended application in future.”
How much of the $153 million investment the Northern hospital’s women’s clinic will receive is still unclear.
