Hubs were selected following extensive sector consultation and are expected to help at least 4000 more girls and women across Victoria access sexual and reproductive health services each year.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the hubs were part of a $153 million women’s health package, and would transform the way women’s health issues were treated – attempting to break down barriers women and girls face in accessing affordable and comprehensive care.
“The gender health gap is real – and it needs to be addressed. With these hubs, we’ll help make sure more women can get the affordable and accessible care they need,” she said.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the workforce supporting the hubs would also benefit from the State Government’s Women’s Health Scholarship program, helping to address existing skills and knowledge shortages when it comes to women’s health.
More than 100 scholarships are being delivered – offering chances to upskill in areas like intrauterine devices, IUD, insertion, sexual and reproductive health, pelvic physio training, menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS.
The scholarships also funded training to promote cultural safety and remove existing barriers for Indigenous women, women from migrant and refugee backgrounds and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning and asexual, LGBTIQA+, communities.
“All Victorian women should feel safe and supported when accessing the care they need, including medical and surgical abortion – that is exactly what these new hubs will do,” she said.
The government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain also continues to hear directly from women and girls about their experience of pain and accessing care.
A public submission and survey process is underway with close to 9000 responses to date – women are encouraged to make a submission before July 31.
The entire July 3, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
