A virtual women’s health clinic, led by community health organisation Each, has officially launched in Victoria, the first state-wide initiative of its kind.
Announced in February with a vision to launch mid-year, the free virtual clinic offers more access to expert advice and care for endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health care and abortion.
Each chief executive officer, Natalie Sullivan, said the clinic aimed to address a health gap for women and gender-diverse people of all ages by connecting them with specialist nurses, GPs, and allied health professionals.
“We’ve seen many barriers that restrict women, girls and gender-diverse people from getting the health care they need: geography, cost, caring responsibilities, and cultural stigma or shame,” she said.
“This virtual clinic addresses this gender health gap by providing free, remote, culturally-safe care.”
Particularly aiming to break down barriers for women in remote and regional areas, where distance to major towns can impact or prevent appropriate care, Ms Sullivan said dedicated women’s health services locally or virtually have an incredible impact on changing the trajectory of someone’s life.
“Our clinical team sees first-hand through our Endometriosis and Pain Clinic how life-changing these services are for women and the impact it has on not only their health, but all aspects of their lives,” she said.
This has already been seen and experienced by registered nurse Kim Lucas.
“It’s a very accessible service providing free appointments with our nurses, doctors, women’s physiotherapist and a bicultural worker,” she said.
“We’re really set up to provide excellent care to women across Victoria.”
The clinic will be able to provide an initial health assessment and some treatment. Some patients may also be connected to a GP or be referred to a relevant health practitioner as close to home as possible.
Triaging of initial needs will also enable the clinic to make further referrals for mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence community support services.
The flexible, no-judgment appointments are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm via video or phone. Appointments are free but there may be a fee for prescribed medications or treatments.
The measure is just one of a suite of initiatives proposed by the State Government following the Australian-first inquiry into the pain gap experienced by women.
Women’s Health East chief executive officer Elly Taylor told Star Mail in January 2024 that it is not uncommon for WHE to hear of the hardships women face when trying to access treatment or care.
“[We] hear from women from a range of diverse backgrounds that the medical gender bias often leads to their pain not being recognised or appropriately treated by healthcare professionals and the healthcare service system,” she said.
“Women’s sexual and reproductive health remains a highly gendered and stigmatised area of healthcare.”
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the virtual clinic complements the mobile women’s health clinic, which is touring the state, making healthcare more accessible for all women and girls.
“We’re making it easier for all women and girls to get the specific care and advice they need, no matter where they live – and we have made it free,” she said.
“There is no denying the gender health gap is real and it disproportionately affects women living in regional or remote areas of Victoria – our new virtual women’s clinic is helping to break down this and other barriers to care.”
Appointments can be booked by calling 1300 003 224 or by visiting each.com.au/services/virtual-womens-health-clinic
