The Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain has shed light on the significant challenges faced by women and girls in seeking care for pain conditions.
A survey of more than 13,000 participants, including women, girls, carers, families and healthcare workers, revealed a troubling pattern of negative experiences in the healthcare system.
Respondents reported encountering sexism, misogyny and dismissive attitudes from clinicians who often attributed their pain to psychological factors.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the survey results were an important step towards building a new system that was informed by the voices of women, girls, families, carers, the healthcare clinical workforce and researchers.
The survey uncovered a range of issues, including delayed diagnoses, high care costs and the profound impact of pain on quality of life, relationships and careers.
Nurses, who comprised the majority of healthcare workers participating in the survey, identified a lack of knowledge about women’s health among available clinicians as the primary barrier to care for many patients.
The survey, offered in 10 community languages, saw about 40 per cent participation from regional and rural Victoria, highlighting the importance of accessible care closer to home.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes thanked all those who took part to make a difference.
“Women and girls, in northern Victoria and all over our state, have shared their stories and experiences to this landmark inquiry,” she said.
“This inquiry is part of the Allan Labor Government’s $153.9 million women’s health package to deliver the care women and girls deserve.”
The insights gathered through the survey, written submissions and forums will inform the development of recommendations to enhance women’s healthcare delivery in Victoria.
In a parallel initiative, the government is set to launch its $5 million Mobile Women’s Health Clinic.
Operated by BreastScreen Victoria, this new service aims to improve access to free healthcare for women in rural and regional Victoria, commencing in late October.
“Our new mobile women’s health clinic will help us bring new services directly to women in regional Victoria, offering a safe and inclusive space for care,” Ms Thomas said.
The mobile clinic will offer a range of women’s health services, including sexual and reproductive health information, advice, clinical services and referrals to specialists.
An experienced nurse will deliver these services, working to foster connections with women, their community and local health services.
This initiative builds upon BreastScreen Victoria’s existing mobile breast screening service and will be accessible to women of all ages.
The government’s $153 million investment in women’s health is also funding 20 new women’s health clinics, expanding the sexual and reproductive health hubs network, doubling the number of laparoscopies for endometriosis and associated conditions, and providing scholarships for more than 100 women’s health specialists.