BCHS Executive Leader Better Health, Graem Kelly, welcomes today’s news – saying the clinic will have significant benefits for women across our region.
“We are pleased to be developing a specialised clinic in partnership with Murray PHN,” he said.
“When open, this clinic will add to the important work our team is already doing as the region’s sexual and reproductive health hub – and provide a much-needed specialised service for many women.”
The sexual and reproductive health team currently provides a critical health service which includes pregnancy advice, treatment, and counselling; early pregnancy service support (threatened loss and loss); contraception advice (can include IUD, Implanon etc.); sexual identity issues; relationship advice; advice and treatment of BBV and STI’s; sexual and reproductive health and medical termination.
“The specialised team of dedicated professionals at BCHS are grateful for the trust shown in them in receiving these funds which will allow them to further support women with specific needs,” Mr Kelly said.
“As part of this project, we are committed to supporting skills development and shared learnings for GPs and their practice nurses in addressing women’s health issues.”
Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, says the clinics ‘are about providing women with an accessible front door to the care that they need’.
“Gathering expertise under one roof, fostering that knowledge to improve diagnosis and services, having referral pathways in place – these are all crucial elements to getting the support that women need right now,” she said.
“The recognition of endometriosis and pelvic pain as serious conditions has been a long and hard-fought battle from fierce advocates in the sector and in our communities.
“I want to say to those people – thank you and we’re listening.
“Too many women in our region suffer for years with what we know can be debilitating conditions. They deserve to have their concerns be taken seriously with better access to specialised care.”
About Bendigo Community Health Services
Bendigo Community Health Services is a community-owned, not-for-profit organisation with sites in central Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Eaglehawk, North Bendigo and Elmore.
For almost 50 years, we have helped people across our region live healthier, more connected lives.
We currently deliver more than 50 programs and services, reflecting the diverse needs of our community. This includes access to GPs, along with services covering families and children, mental health and counselling, alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, men’s and women’s health clinics, supporting the LGBTIQ community and refugee settlement. BCHS also helps people manage specific health and wellbeing needs, such as managing their mental health or living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory issues or heart disease.
Our services are critical in improving the health and well-being of all people, without prejudice. In particular, our understanding of the unique needs and challenges of local communities means we are well-placed to respond through targeted programs and services.
This is particularly the case in areas where intersectional disadvantage may be evident – taking into account the social, physical and economic conditions that impact upon health.
At Bendigo Community Health Services, we take a person-centred approach – partnering with our clients on their healthcare journey and ensuring they are an active participant when it comes to planning their healthcare needs.
We focus on the person and their strengths, factoring in their life experience and understanding they are the expert in their own lives.
The critical role we play in helping people lead healthier lives, also reduces the pressure on our public hospitals and the broader public health care system.
Equally, it is important for us to advocate on behalf of the many and diverse communities we work with, to effect systemic change that will lead to more positive outcomes for all.
We are committed to amplifying the voices of the people we work with, to ensure the healthcare system reflects their needs – an in particular those with intersecting experiences.
