Women’s health clinic promised for Sunshine

Sunshine Hospital, St Albans. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 247142_01

A women’s health clinic will be opened at Sunshine Hospital if Labor win the state election on November 26.

Premier Daniel Andrews has pledged to open 20 women’s health clinics across the state, providing a one-stop shop for women needing treatment or advice on issues from contraception to pelvic pain.

He also pledged to create the first statewide sexual and reproductive advice phone line and to make period products free in public places, as part of a $71 million investment aimed a changing the way women’s health is treated.

Labor will also provide $20,000 scholarships for 100 extra specialists, to support the training and recruitment of workers for the new women’s health clinics, while $5.3 million will be used to create mobile clinics.

Under the election pledge, consultations with Maternal and Child Health nurses will be expanded and dedicated Aboriginal-led women’s health clinics will be established.

“For too long, too many women haven’t been listened to and their health issues have been ignored. This plan will transform women’s healthcare, ensuring every Victorian woman can access the support and treatment they need and deserve.” Mr Andrews said.

Women’s health clinics will also be opened at Werribee Mercy Hospital and Footscray Hospital.