Clinic in $700K boost for endometriosis treatment
A MASSIVE cash splash for a Cairns clinic aims to provide relief for Far Northerners suffering from a painful chronic condition which affects at least one in nine girls and women.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) chief executive Robin Whyte said they were thrilled to work with True Relationships and Reproductive Health (Family Planning Queensland) in Cairns.
The group is one of 20 across the country to receive a Department of Health and Aged Care Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics grant of more than $700,000 over four years.
She said the grant would lead to more appropriate and timely endometriosis and pelvic pain care and management by supporting the hire of specialised staff, including nurse practitioners and allied health professionals, investment in a pelvic physiotherapy area, as well as extra resources, training and development. “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,” she said.
“We know the clinic will help to give women and gender diverse people better overall care and easier access to health care professionals from the one location.”
TRRH GP 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 Far 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.”
TRRH general manager of operations Sharon Stokell
said the grant would provide much-needed resources in the Far North.
“We will invest in those who are living with endometriosis and pelvic pain, with access to more information and education,” Ms Stokell said.