Topic: Women's health

Women in South Western Sydney now have access to a specialised Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic.

The Women’s Health Centre Southern Highlands, at Mittagong, is one of 20 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics being established across Australia.

The health centre’s Dr Hanady Nasreddine said staff were humbled and honoured the centre had been selected as one of 20 centres nationally to receive federal funding.

“It is also a significant responsibility as the set-up of such a clinic in primary care has not been done previously … we are dedicated to seeing it succeed,” she said.

The clinics provide multi-disciplinary care with a focus on:

• Improving the timeliness of diagnosis
• Promoting early access to intervention, care, treatment options, and referral services for endometriosis and pelvic pain

The clinics operate within existing general practices and strengthen what is often the first point of contact in the health system, to reduce diagnostic delays and promote early access to multi-disciplinary intervention, care and treatment.

The practice will receive funding distributed by the South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) over the next four years, to support hiring specialised staff, including nurse practitioners and allied health professionals, investment in equipment or fitouts such as pelvic physiotherapy areas, as well as resources, training and development.

The clinics will also raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain, build professional knowledge and skills in this area, and improve access to information and care pathways.

SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, said endometriosis affected at least one in nine Australian women and could have a huge impact on the lives of sufferers.

“The pain and fatigue which some women with endometriosis experience can be debilitating, preventing them from participating in education, work or sport,” he said.

“Yet endometriosis is often missed and can take years to diagnose – compounding both the physical and emotional suffering.

“At SWSPHN, we’re very pleased our community will benefit from more timely, specialised care at a clinic which is already known for putting a special focus on the healthcare needs of women.”

Dr Nasreddine said The Women’s Health Centre Southern Highlands already focused on the specific healthcare needs of women and had been seeing patients presenting with pelvic pain since opening its doors in 2021.

“Endometriosis can often present with quite undifferentiated symptoms and pelvic pain can also be much more complex than it seems,” she said.

“With a growing understanding of these complexities as well as increased research into areas such as non-surgical diagnosis and management, it is exciting to be involved in this dynamic and evolving landscape.”

Dr Nasreddine said endometriosis and pelvic pain was a challenging area for patients and GPs alike.

“Patients have often disclosed the frustration of feeling ignored or ‘brushed off’ regarding their symptoms,” she said.

“GPs are often dealing with symptoms often affecting multiple organ systems and chronic pain,  with management involving  not only the biological/physical aspects but also mental health, social wellbeing, etc.”

Dr Nasreddine said the clinic was definitely a first step to improving primary care.

“Providing a regional hub of expertise in women’s health, we hope to continue focusing on excellence in patient care and service provision, and to continue to enhance and expand our services over time,” she said. 

Patients can make an appointment for the clinic by calling The Women’s Health Centre on 4880 1686.

Pictured above: The team at The Women’s Health Centre Southern Highlands in Mittagong, including Dr Hanady Nasreddine (second from right).