A Cairns-based clinic will establish a targeted Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic to help North Queensland women and gender diverse people suffering with the chronic conditions.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is pleased to advise True Relationships and Reproductive Health (Family Planning Queensland), in Cairns, is one of only 20 clinics in Australia to receive a Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics grant.
NQPHN CEO Robin Whyte said the new clinic would lead to more appropriate and timelier endometriosis and pelvic pain care and management.
“A significant number of women and gender diverse people are suffering with these debilitating conditions, which can have significant effects on an individual’s health, education, and employment,” Ms Whyte said.
“GPs are an integral part of the care for endometriosis and pelvic pain, and we are pleased to be working with True Relationships and Reproductive Health to establish the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic in Cairns.
“We know the clinic will help to give women and gender diverse people better overall care and easier access to a multitude of health care professionals from the one location.”
True Relationships and Reproductive Health General Practitioner Dr Samantha Olliver said the number of women and gender diverse people affected by endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain was significant across the country, including North Queensland.
“Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain are complex conditions to manage and often require support from pelvic physiotherapists, psychologists, gynaecologists, and pain specialists,” Dr Olliver said.
“Negotiating all of that without an informed GP can often leave people feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, in addition to an already high symptom burden.
“The information that women and gender diverse people are no longer expected to suffer through pelvic pain as being a ‘normal’ part of life is finally being heard. There is a lot more conversation happening among peers and raised awareness that treatment is available - and people are presenting for it.”
True Relationships and Reproductive Health General Manager – Operations Sharon Stokell said the grant would provide much-needed resources in the Far North.
“We will invest in supporting women and gender diverse people, who are living with endometriosis and pelvic pain, with access to more information and education,” Ms Stokell said.
“We will also support health care professionals within the clinic, and other FNQ general practitioners, with assistance to work in this space. Increased nursing hours to triage, support for women before, during and after their appointments, and navigating external referrals, will also be our focus.”
Ms Whyte said NQPHN was committed to supporting women and gender diverse people experiencing endometriosis and pelvic pain in the community and looked forward to partnering with True Relationships and Reproductive Health in establishing the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic.
