Gippsland to be home to one of 11 new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics

The Albanese Labor Government has announced that Gippsland will be home to one of 11 new Endometriosis, Pelvic Pain and Menopause Specialist Clinics, should the Government be re-elected.

 

These clinics will be part of the Australian Government’s commitment to improving care for those affected by endometriosis, pelvic pain and menopause.

 

These clinics will:

 

• improve access for patients to diagnostic, treatment and referral services for endometriosis, pelvic pain and menopause.
• build the primary care workforce to manage these chronic and prevalent conditions.
• improve access to new information and care pathways.

 

This initiative is part of a broader $573.3 million package providing women with more choice, lower costs, and better access to health care.

 

This package includes:

 

• The first PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills in more than 30 years, with the listing of Yaz® and Yasmin® saving 50,000 women hundreds of dollars a year.
• More choice, lower costs and better access to long-term contraceptives, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants saving around 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.
• More Medicare support for women experiencing menopause, with a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, funding to train health professionals, the first-ever clinical guidelines and a national awareness campaign.
• The first PBS listing for new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years, with around 150,000 women saving hundreds of dollars a year from the listing of Prometrium®, Estrogel® and Estrogel® Pro.
• Contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs directly from pharmacies, with two national trials to benefit 250,000 concession cardholders who will be able to consult a trained pharmacist at no cost and, if medications are required, pay only the usual medicine cost.

 

The PBS listings of the contraceptive pills and menopausal hormone therapies will take effect almost immediately, saving Gippsland women and their families hundreds of dollars a year.

Existing GP clinics with the experience and expertise to deliver an Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic should reach out to the Gippsland PHN to discuss their suitability to apply.

 

For further details about these measures can be found in the More choice, lower costs and better health care for women – fact sheet, on the health.gov.au website.

Quotes attributable to Senator Jess Walsh:

 

“Women have spoken, and our Government has listened.”

 

“A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will ensure that women in Gippsland have better access to essential diagnostic, treatment, and referral services for endometriosis and pelvic pain.”

 

Media contact:

Senator Walsh: Riley Geary –0484 964 541