ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN CLINIC OPEN IN WINMALEE
Women and girls in Macquarie now have access to specialist care for endometriosis, pelvic pain, and menopause, with a new clinic operating at Winmalee in the Blue Mountains. Delivered by the Albanese Government, the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic is operating from Winmalee Medical Centre and providing specialist, multidisciplinary care for women and girls living with endometriosis and pelvic pain. The clinic will also provide menopause support.
Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 7 Australian women. It can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers, who face an average 7-year delay in diagnosis.
Pelvic pain can be similarly complex and debilitating, with the impact being felt beyond individuals. It is estimated to cost the Australian economy $6 billion a year.The clinic will also support women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, helping to improve diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care closer to home.
The Winmalee clinic is one of 11 new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics announced last year.
In total, there will be 33 clinics across Australia, improving access to specialist care.
These clinics are a key part of the Government’s landmark Women’s Health Package, investing almost $800 million in funding to deliver improved health care and access for women and girls.
The clinic is commissioned and operated by Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“For too long, women and girls living with pain have had to struggle in silence, but the Albanese Government is changing that with these Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics giving them access to the expertise, care and support they need.
“We committed to opening 11 new clinics at the election, and that is what we are delivering.
“They are just one of the ways we are delivering more choice, lower costs and better health care options for Australian women and girls.
“We are levelling the playing field for women and girls by investing in a modern, stronger Medicare that meets the needs of women at every age and stage.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“Too many women have spent years living with debilitating pain that is often dismissed or misunderstood. They deserve to have their concerns taken seriously with better access to specialised care no matter where they live.
“For women and girls, this clinic will bring specialist care close to home and provide reassurance that they won’t have to face these health issues alone. It means early intervention, coordinated care and better outcomes.
“Women’s health is no longer an afterthought. The Albanese Labor Government is not slowing down on women’s health. No matter what stage of life you’re at, your health care is front and centre.”
Quotes attributable to Susan Templeman MP:
“At a time when still too many people don’t take endometriosis and pelvic pain seriously, women in Penrith and the Blue Mountains deserve to have access to expert endo and menopause care closer to home.
“I was proud to ensure women in western Sydney and the Hawkesbury region had access to endo support at the Rouse Hill clinic, however there was an unmet demand for the Penrith and Blue Mountains region. This clinic at Winmalee will meet that need.
“Women in our community have been calling out for better access to specialised endometriosis, pelvic pain, and menopause care and I’ve fought hard with them to get those services delivered.
“Having a clinic closer to home helps remove one of the barriers that prevents women getting the care they need and helps to address the inequities that exist in women’s health.
“Women wishing to access the clinic should phone Winmalee Medical Centre on 02 4754 1666 and provide their contact details to begin the intake process.”
