Clinic’s official opening
Treatment of pelvic pain
A new clinic specialising in the treatment of endometriosis and pelvic pain will be officially opened on the Gold Coast on Thursday.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney will cut the ribbon on the new facility at the Medical Super Clinic Benowa.
Ms Kearney said it was one of 22 such clinics established by the federal government across Australia.
“We know at least one in nine women and girls experience endometriosis, and they currently wait an average of seven years for a diagnosis,” Ms Kearney said.
“We are trying to change that.
“The Medical Super Clinic Benowa is crucial for women in the Gold Coast who need answers and support. It brings the expertise they need under one roof.”
Endometriosis, which can cause extreme pain and affect fertility, is experienced by about one in nine Australian women.
Although its official opening is Thursday, the new clinic at Benowa has been up and running for a number of months.
It has already seen 350 patients referred for support for endometriosis or pelvic pain.
Among those is Letitia Avila, who grappled with irregular periods, intense pain and misdiagnosis before turning to the clinic, where it was discovered that she had stage 4 endometriosis.
“For me personally, it clicked that there was an issue after the
birth of my youngest who’s now almost 11,” Mrs Avila said.
“I thought the pain was something you experience normally after having a child and that it was my new reality. In hindsight, I got the indication a lot earlier.”
Dr Vicki Evans, clinical director of Medical Super Clinic Benowa and lead GP of the Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Clinic, said it was vital patients got the specialist treatment they needed.
“We aim to educate patients and the wider community, ensuring that women with endometriosis have access to the support and treatment they need,” Dr Evans said.
In addition to officially opening the new clinic, Ms Kearney will announce $2.019m in grant funding for three organisations working to support women living with endometriosis.
Endometriosis Australia will receive $1.23m, and QENDO Inc will receive $436,000.
The Australian Coalition for Endometriosis will receive $255,000.