SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
SENATOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

THE HON GED KEARNEY MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR COOPER

SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK
SENATOR FOR TASMANIA

ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN CLINIC OPENS IN GLENORCHY

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering Tasmania’s first Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic in Glenorchy – one of 22 new clinics around the nation to help women get the care they need.

The endometriosis clinic at Family Planning Tasmania in Glenorchy will provide expert, multidisciplinary services and care for women with endometriosis and pelvic pain.

Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 Australian women and can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers, with those suffering waiting on average seven years before diagnosis.

The rate of hospitalisations for the condition has doubled among women aged 20 to 24 over the past decade. 

The Glenorchy endometriosis clinic is a part of an increased commitment from the Australian Government to establish 22 clinics across Australia, with at least one clinic in every state and territory.

Family Planning Tasmania will receive more than $700,000 over four years, to support hiring of specialised staff, including nurse practitioners and allied health professions, and investment in equipment and training.

Working in the existing Family Planning Tasmania practice, the clinic will provide in-house services, including pelvic physio and pain management groups to help women address difficult and persistent symptoms.

While directly helping patients, the clinics will also raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain in Tasmania, and build knowledge and skills in the area.

Patients will be able to access the clinic by booking an appointment through Family Planning Tasmania.

The Clinic is part of the Albanese Government’s $58.3 million package for endometriosis and pelvic pain, announced in the 2022-23 Budget.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“I’m pleased to be in Glenorchy today to officially launch Tasmania’s first Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic that has been delivered as part of the Albanese Government’s $58.3 million package for endometriosis and pelvic pain, announced in the 2022-23 Budget.

“Investing in women’s health is a critical part of the work the Government is doing to advance gender equality – recognising that supporting women to be safe and healthy is critical to their economic equality.”

“Research tells us that too many women suffer for too long with debilitating pain without a diagnosis or access to specialised care for debilitating conditions like Endometriosis.

“This clinic will gather expertise under one roof for Tasmanian women and help them to access the specialised care they need without having to go to the mainland.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Ged Kearney MP:

“This clinic will make it easier for Tasmanians to get the answers and support they need to manage endometriosis and pelvic pain.”

“Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 women. It can be debilitating and painful – so clinics such as these provide easier access for patients to get an early diagnosis which is essential”.

Quotes attributable to Senator Catryna Bilyk, Senator for Tasmania:

“Tasmanian women have been expected to foot the cost of travel to the mainland to receive basic healthcare.

“I am pleased that the Australian Government is funding this vital service right here in Glenorchy, as well as doing outreach into regional Tasmania.

"Endometriosis can be debilitating, and clinics such as these provide easier access for patients to get an early diagnosis which is essential."

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 2023