Women who experience severe or complex menopause symptoms are set to benefit from enhanced support, with the official opening of a new menopause referral service in Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) today.
The SNSWLHD Menopause Referral Service is part of NSW Health’s extensive menopause network, which includes four health hubs and multiple referral sites throughout the state.
As a part of this network, the SNSWLHD Menopause Referral Service will provide District-wide outpatient care led by a Care Coordinator and Women’s Health Nurses to support local women with severe and/or complex symptoms of menopause.
SNSWLHD’s Menopause Service is linked to South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s Menopause Hub, which means women can access a comprehensive approach to managing severe menopausal symptoms through a multi-disciplinary team of medical specialists and allied health professionals, including women’s health nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and clinical psychologists.
General practitioners, specialists, and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women for advanced care though Southern’s Community Health Central Intake Service SNSWLHD-CommunityIntake@health.nsw.gov.au.
Women can also connect with the service directly through Southern NSW Local Health District’s network of Women Health Nurses based at Eurobodalla, Bega, Queanbeyan, Yass, Cooma and Goulburn community health services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“This World Menopause Day, I am so pleased to announce more women in regional NSW are set to benefit from specialist, personalised care, thanks to the Menopause Referral Service.
“Up to one in four women endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.
“The opening of new Menopause Service means improved access to care for those women in this part of regional NSW who need it.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:
“Menopause will affect most women at some stage of their life. Symptoms can be debilitating, but there is limited discussion about their impact or treatments, making women less likely to seek help.
“This new menopause referral service will provide much needed support to women in regional areas who experience complex menopausal symptoms and can provide advice about associated health risks of menopause.
“On this World Menopause Day, I also encourage women to arm yourself with information about perimenopause and menopause. You don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:
“Every woman goes through menopause and where you live shouldn’t determine your access to support services. I am very pleased that this improved service will now be available in Monaro. I would urge local women to utilise this service, it is important to recognise that knowledge and treatment can really help.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:
“The NSW Government recognises the serious impacts menopause can have on women’s health and wellbeing.
“With services like this available in our regional areas, we are ensuring improvements in the accessibility of services to provide support for women who experience changes in their health due to perimenopause and menopause.”