Newcastle could soon become home to a new $58.3 million Women’s Health Clinic in coming years. 

Under a proposal to be presented by City of Newcastle Councillors this week, an Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic could be located in the former steel city, fulfilling a Federal Albanese Government budget promise. 

The City of Newcastle will write to Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, the Minister for Health, the Hon. Mark Butler MP and Assistant Minister for Health, the Hon. Ged Kearney MP, advocating for Newcastle to be included as the next location to receive a local clinic. 

The clinic is set to provide holistic support for women suffering from endometriosis and pelvic pain. 

Ward 3 Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said that as a mother of three daughters, with firsthand experience of the debilitating effects of endometriosis and pelvic pain, Newcastle would be a perfect fit for a clinic, following the Albanese Labor Government’s Budget commitment to fund the roll out of Clinic across the nation. 

“Newcastle is the second biggest city in NSW and is the seventh biggest metropolitan region in the country. I believe many of our constituents and those of surrounding areas would benefit greatly from one of these clinics being located in Newcastle,” Cr Winney-Baartz said. 

“Women and girls in our region often face a choice between long wait times within the Public Health system and paying large sums of out-of-pocket expenses to deal with this issue and I believe successful advocacy would be a positive step towards effective treatment for all.” 

Councillor Winney-Baartz says committing to the new clinic would cement the government’s commitment to health in regional areas, particularly after the re-opening of local GP After Hours Clinics at the Calvary Mater and the commitment to the full restoration of After Hours GP services at the John Hunter Hospital. 

“Working in existing general practice, we know that these clinics will 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,” she said. 

“As well as directly helping patients, the clinics will raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain, build professional knowledge and skills in this area, and improve access to information and care pathways. 

“Locally, we have a phenomenal record when it comes to public health research and innovation, particularly through the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, so I know that locating a specialist, dedicated Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic right here in Newcastle could play a key role in assisting the nation-wide effort to both raise awareness and improve treatment for this debilitating issue for many women.” 

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