The Allan Labor Government will deliver a free virtual women’s health clinic – making it easier for Victorian women to access services like endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health care and abortion.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the new clinic will launch before the middle of year in partnership with community health organisation EACH – and it will offer free, expert medical advice, treatment and care for a range of women’s health needs.
Led by specialist nurses, it will reduce barriers to care, including for women in regional and remote Victoria where access to services like contraception and abortion is hard due to distance from major towns.
The service is more important than ever – barriers and delays in accessing care can have detrimental impacts on a woman’s health, their quality of life and the ability to participate in school and employment.
Available via telehealth or online, it will deliver an initial health assessment and some treatment, while patients can also be connected with a GP or get referred to a relevant health practitioner as close to home as possible.
In addition to treating immediate health needs, referrals can also be made to various mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence community support services.
It comes as the Labor Government’s Mobile Women’s Health Clinic van officially hits the road, currently operating in Edenhope in Victoria’s west until 14 February, before heading to Daylesford from 17-28 February.
Operated by BreastScreen Victoria, the van is making free healthcare more accessible for all women and girls in rural and regional parts of Victoria including a focus on improved access to care for First Nations women.
It will deliver a variety of women’s health services, including sexual and reproductive health advice, clinical services and referrals for medical abortion (MTOP), contraception, and referrals to other necessary specialists.
All services will be delivered by an experienced nurse or nurse practitioner who will work to build connections with women, their community and local health services.
Both the mobile and virtual clinics are part of the landmark $153 million women’s health package transforming the way women’s healthcare is delivered in Victoria.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“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.”
“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.”
