The Federal Government is delivering Australia’s first Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics across all states and territories. One of Australia’s first Pelvic Pain Clinics will be based in Milton, on the NSW South Coast.
The Clinic will operate out of the already existing Milton Medical Centre, and will receive more than $700,000 over four years.
The 20 Clinics will provide expert, multidisciplinary services and care for women with endometriosis and pelvic pain.
Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 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 $6 billion 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 $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 will 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 clinics will raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain, build professional knowledge and skills in this area, and improve access to information and care pathways.
Patients will be able to access the clinics by booking an appointment at one of the 20 attached clinics.
The Clinics are part of the Federal Government’s $58.3 million package for endometriosis and pelvic pain, announced in the 2022-23 Budget. The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP said of the announcement:
"As the Federal Member for Gilmore, I am absolutely thrilled that the Government is delivering a specialised Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic right here in our community, in Milton. This is a big win for women's health on the NSW South Coast."
"This new clinic in Milton will help reduce diagnostic delays and promote early access to specialised care and treatment. "
"Having this dedicated clinic located in Milton will provide better access to the care they need. This is a huge win for women's health in our region."
"I want to commend Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP for recognising the need for specialised care for women with endometriosis and pelvic pain, and for making it a priority for the Federal Government. The new clinic in Milton is a crucial step forward, and I am proud that our community will be able to benefit from it."
