In its first six months of operation, the South Eastern NSW Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinic, located at Milton Medical Centre, has assisted more than 100 women aged between 13 years and 83. The clinic is accessible by GP referral or self-referral to the service.

Ms Prudence Buist, CEO of COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN said: “We are delighted with the Milton team’s success in improving the provision of diagnosis, treatment and management of endometriosis and pelvic pain for women in South Eastern NSW.

“The Milton clinic is one of seven in New South Wales and one of 22 across Australia funded by the Australian Government. We are committed to promoting the service so more women can access care and support they need, free of charge,” said Ms Buist.

Dr Katie Macartney, GP at Milton Medical Centre is a member of the Clinic’s team and said; “I didn’t expect to see so many people and for it to have such a large effect on people’s lives. I also didn’t anticipate how much I would enjoy providing the service.”

“Women seem to appreciate both the clinical care in the clinic as well as the education program. We've assisted women with vulvodynia, dyspareunia, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, prolapse, irritable bowel, urinary problems, as well as the comorbidities that might go with endometriosis and pelvic pain. Things like anxiety, depression, mental health conditions, migraines and back pain,” said Dr Macartney.

Ms Susan Wilford, Specialist Womens Health CNC for the service said: “Women mostly want to be listened to and supported and given some education regarding treatment options and management plans.”

“We cover from Helensburgh down to the Victorian border, across to the snowy mountains and up to Goulburn. Some choose to travel here because they prefer face-to-face care, but most women who live more than an hour away are choosing to access our help via telehealth.”

“The education program is either available face-to-face or online via Microsoft Teams. We live stream it on Monday evenings, and we have five health professionals for the first five weeks. This includes a psychologist, clinical psychosexual therapist, a nutritionist, a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and a gynaecologist who specialises in endometriosis and fertility treatment. The last five weeks are yoga and meditation sessions. A summary regarding progress is shared with the patient’s regular GP once a patient completes the education program,” said Ms Wilford.

The South Eastern NSW Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinic plans to offer more education programs for health professionals, as well as for the community. They’ve held an education program for health professionals with a clinical psychosexual therapist and have also provided some education with local public high school students.

Ms Wilford added, “I really hope that more women realise we are here and can access the care and support we provide. The initial appointment and any follow up appointments with myself or with our GP are free thanks to the Government grant. The education sessions are also free of charge.”

The clinic is accessible by GP referral or self-referral to the service. Patients can book an appointment via email endo@miltonmedical.com.au or phone 02 4455 5755.

Watch our interview with staff members from the South Eastern NSW Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic below:

 

Illawarra Shoalhaven, Media release