The Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler received a first-hand update from medical staff when he visited the South-Eastern NSW Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Milton with Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips.
Opened in September 2023, Mrs Phillips said the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at the Milton Medical Centre was providing women from Helensburgh to the Victorian Border with expert, multidisciplinary care.
“Since the doors opened, the clinic has helped almost 150 women, many of whom had not previously received a diagnosis or management plan for their conditions,” Mrs Phillips said.
“It was really great to receive an update from Clinical Lead Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Nurse Susan Wilford who is so passionate about women’s health.
“Women are coming to the clinic, after many years of pain, seeking a diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, vaginismus, vulvodynia, IBS, prolapse and heavy or painful periods.
“Ms Wilford told the minister that a woman in her mid-forties came to the clinic after 34 years of symptoms and finally received a diagnosis and treatment plan. This has been life-changing, not only for her physical health, but her mental well-being, her relationship and her ability to work.
“With one in nine women living with endometriosis, it’s really essential that they receive good support and a timely diagnosis. And even better that they can access help close to home.”
Mrs Phillips said the condition could have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers, and women with the condition waited an average of seven years before diagnosis.
“I’m passionate about improving access to specialised health care in rural and regional areas and I’m proud to have been able to deliver an Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at the Milton Medical Centre,” Mrs Phillips said.
“The local health team is doing a fabulous job treating and creating awareness around this debilitating condition, and I encourage women to seek help if they are living with any kind of pelvic pain.
The Milton clinic is one of seven in NSW and one of 22 across Australia funded by the Albanese Government, as part of a $58.3 million package for endometriosis and pelvic pain announced in the 2022–23 Budget.
Patients can book an appointment directly through the Milton Medical Centre.
The bulk billed clinic in Milton is one of 22 special endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics now operating across the country.
Minister Butler also visited a pharmacy in Ulladulla, the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and headspace Batemans Bay during his visit to the Gilmore electorate.
Photo: Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler and Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips met with management and staff at the South-Eastern NSW Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Milton.
Photo 2: Minister Butler and Mrs Phillips received great feedback from Clinical Lead Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Nurse Susan Wilford.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katrina Condie: 0437 662 967
