Women in South Eastern NSW can now access care and support for perimenopause and menopause as well as endometriosis and pelvic pain through the South Eastern NSW Centre for Menopause, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain, with an extension to the clinic’s funding announced today by Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP. 

Mrs Phillips said: "From today the clinic at Milton Medical Centre will expand its expert, multidisciplinary care to also provide perimenopause and menopause services so that women can receive the expert, affordable care they deserve. 

"It is vital that women have their concerns taken seriously, and to know that the health professional they’re speaking with has the specialised skills and education to be able to respond appropriately. 

"The team at the Milton endometriosis clinic is amazing and so dedicated to helping women, and I am delighted that, as part of the Albanese Labor Government's landmark Women's Health Package, the service is being expanded to continue to help even more women in our region," Mrs Phillips said. 

Ms Prudence Buist, CEO of COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN said: "Whilst we know that many GPs offer care for these types of conditions, having this specialised clinic in Milton offers an additional option for those dealing with these often-debilitating issues, who may not have been able to access the services they need. 

“As part of the service, a specialist nurse plays a central role in coordinating support and helping patients navigate what can often be a complex and overwhelming health system. The clinic also works alongside each patient’s usual GP,” said Ms Buist. 

People living with these conditions often need a holistic approach, which may be required over an extended period of time. The clinic will help connect patients with local diagnostic, allied health and specialist services, both on and off site, ensuring treatment is connected, coordinated and centred around the patient’s individual needs. 

General practitioner Dr Katie Macartney said: "Menopause and perimenopause is a time of life which can be very disruptive for women. It is exciting for Milton Medical Centre to be able to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary service for women of South Eastern NSW to help with symptoms and challenges presented at this time of life". 

The funding strengthens the capacity of the current clinic, enabling the expansion of clinical service delivery to include menopause care from 20 July. The menopause clinic is open Mondays between 9am and 5pm (and 10am to 3pm every second week). Patients have access to holistic multidisciplinary care with a doctor, nurse, dietitian, physiotherapist (on-site on Tuesdays), as well as access to resources and information for patients, developed by a multidisciplinary team. Appointments are currently available in-person, with telehealth options available for subsequent appointments. 

In addition to service delivery, the clinic will provide opportunities for local primary care clinicians, including nurses and allied health professionals, to increase their knowledge and skills to support diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, pelvic pain, perimenopause and menopause.  

“By integrating care across services and investing in education and capacity building, we’re supporting a patient-centred approach to these conditions that will assist with improving better health outcomes for women across our region,” said Ms Buist. 

Since May 2023, the endometriosis clinic has supported 447 clients through 462 referrals, delivering 1,029 services - more than half (55 percent) via telehealth, improving access to care across South Eastern NSW. 

The South Eastern NSW Centre for Menopause, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic accepts both GP referrals and self-referrals via email endo@miltonmedical.com.au or phone 02 4455 5755. 

The Milton clinic is one of 10 in New South Wales and one of 33 across Australia funded by the Australian Government.