Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) is pleased to announce Federal Government funding has been awarded to Kardinia Health, located in Belmont (Geelong), to support the establishment of an Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP Clinic, which is a major win for women’s healthcare in the region.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition associated with severe, life-impacting pain with no known cure, but it can be managed with treatment. Primary care providers are well placed to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis and pelvic pain.
The 2022-23 Budget committed $16.4 million over four years to support the establishment of targeted Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP Clinics in primary care settings. Funding of up to $200,000 a year over four years will be provided to at least 16 GP clinics across Australia following a Department of Health and Aged Care assessment process.
WVPHN Chief Executive Officer, Rowena Clift, said this funding has been targeted at clinics that currently deliver services focused on women’s health, and is aimed at improving provision of diagnosis, treatment and management of endometriosis and pelvic pain.
“I congratulate Kardinia Health on securing this important funding for women’s health. It is expected that the clinic will enable more appropriate and timelier endometriosis care and management, leading to improved diagnosis timeframes and appropriate pain management for impacted patients,” Ms Clift said.
Funding will commence in the 2022-23 financial year. This funding may be used for a wide range of services including but not limited to advanced training qualifications, further study, additional practice staff (such as allied health and nurse navigators), enhanced referral pathways with local providers and equipment purchase.
Kardinia Health CEO, Michelle Heagney said she, and the broader Kardinia Health team was excited by the opportunity this funding presented for our community.
“Our team of GPs, Physiotherapists, Dietitians and Psychologists are looking forward to working with other clinicians in the Geelong region to really make a difference to patient outcomes. Leveraging off our unique position in the region as a teaching practice with close affiliations with Barwon Health and Deakin University. Our goal is to provide more care to more women when they need it; providing a comprehensive, accessible and innovative service to improve their lives” Ms Heagney said.