Australia’s first endometriosis clinics roll out nationally

Australia has announced that the country’s first endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics are now open across all states and territories.

The 20 clinics will provide expert, multidisciplinary services and care for women with endometriosis and pelvic pain.

Endometriosis affects at least one in nine Australian women and can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers. With those suffering waiting on average of seven years before diagnosis.

Pelvic pain can be similarly complex and debilitating, with the impact being felt beyond individuals as it is estimated to cost the Australian economy AUS$6b a year.

The government has increased the commitment from 16 to 20 clinics, making specialised, multidisciplinary care available to more women across Australia with at least one clinic in every state and territory and a mix of regional and metropolitan locations.

The clinics will each receive more than AUS$700,000 over four years to support hiring specialised staff, including nurse practitioners and allied health professionals, investment in equipment or fit-outs such as pelvic physiotherapy areas, as well as resources, training and development.

Working in existing general practice, the clinics are hoped to strengthen what is often the first point of contact in the health system to reduce diagnostic delays and promote early access to multi-disciplinary intervention, care and treatment.

As well as directly helping patients, the government argues that the clinics will raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain, build professional knowledge and improve access to information and care pathways.

“Too many women suffer for years with what we know can be debilitating conditions. They deserve to have their concerns be taken seriously with better access to specialised care,” said Ged Kearney MP, assistant minister for health and aged care.

“These clinics are about providing women with an accessible front door to the care that they need. Gathering expertise under one roof, fostering that knowledge to improve diagnosis and services, having referral pathways in place – these are all crucial elements to getting the support that women need right.

“The recognition of endometriosis and pelvic pain as serious conditions has been a long and hard-fought battle from fierce advocates in the sector and in our communities. I want to say to those people – thank you and we’re listening.”

She added: “We are a government that is committed to improving women’s health and this is a crucial step forward for part of the population that has too long been dismissed.”