The lasting impact of women’s pain revealed

THE State Government’s landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain has revealed the significant impact pain conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain and migraines are having on the lives of Victorian women and girls. Women and girls have shared their experiences of sexism and misogyny, feeling ignored or dismissed by clinicians who attributed their pain to psychological and personality factors, as well as culturally unsafe care. The stories and experiences generously shared by Victorian women and girls in the survey, via written submissions and forums over recent months, will now form the development of recommendations to improve the way women’s healthcare is delivered in Victoria. Women’s Health Goulburn North East chief executive officer, Amanda Kelly, said the results of the survey of more than 13,000 respondents are not a surprise, however it was very important to have a clear picture of the state of women’s health right across Victoria. “We are very pleased to see the inclusive nature of the survey ensuring that many non English-speaking women were afforded a chance to respond, as well as the uptake by women living in regional and rural Victoria,” she said. About 40 per cent of women who participated in the survey were from regional and rural Victoria, and their insights highlighted the importance of being able to access the right care closer to home. “We were able to provide detailed feedback to the inquiry with the generous input of women across our regions,” Ms Kelly said. “We’ll be looking with interest at the report and recommendations that come from the inquiry to see how they will support women in our region.” The results come at the same time as the State Government prepares to launch its $5 million Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Operated by BreastScreen Victoria to make free healthcare more accessible for women living in rural and regional parts of Victoria, the new mobile women’s health service will hit the road in late October. The mobile clinic will offer a variety of women’s health services including sexual and reproductive health information, advice, clinical services and referrals to other necessary specialists. “The launch of the Mobile Women’s Health Clinic, the sexual and reproductive health hubs and the expansion of the Breast Screen service are a fantastic start to addressing the issues that regional women face in accessing the health care we all need,” Ms Kelly said. “We’re looking forward to supporting the uptake of these services and ensuring that all women across our region have improved access.” A spokesperson for the Premier's office confirmed Wangaratta will be home to one of 20 new women’s health clinics promised by the State Government. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, thanked everyone who took part in the survey for their help making a difference. "Women and girls, in Northern Victoria and all over our state, have shared their stories and experiences to this landmark inquiry," she said. "This inquiry is part of the State Government $153.9 million women's health package to deliver the care women and girls deserve." Women’s Health Goulburn North East in conjunction with Women’s Health Loddon Malle have just launched their own research and recommendations report on women’s experience of sexual and reproductive health services in the region. You can view the research and recommendations by visiting whealth.com.au.

The lasting impact of women’s pain revealed

Rewarding time reflected

Homely feel with ensuites

Indigo Shire overdose deaths decreasing despite statewide record

Second community battery charged up in Yack

Weekly program connecting generations

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories