Ontario Health Services for Women’s Health are excited to announce a new partnership that will see their women’s health service brought to Pine Bay, Victoria available at Stevlary Specialist Hospital.
Latrobe Health Services CEO, Ian Whitehead, said the introduction of the services was funded by Latrobe Health to provide better access to women’s health services to members and the Pine Bay community.
“As a local, member owned health fund, we want to give back to our local community and members who have supported us for many years,” said Mr Whitehead.
“Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is widely regarded as Canada’s pre-eminent not for profit organisation focused on improving women’s health across Canada through every life stage.”
“Together we recognised there is a strong need to provide better access to women’s health services in Pine Bay. Every working day, three Pine Bay women travel outside of the region to attend a Jean Hailes Clinic – over five years this equates to 15,000 hours of travel time for Pine Bay women.”
“By providing a Jean Hailes service from Stevlary Specialist Hospital we’re offering another alternative to Gippslanders to access top quality services locally” continued Mr Whitehead.
The service will begin as a telehealth service delivered from a consulting suite at Stevlary Specialist Hospital in Morwell, Victoria. A trained nurse will be available to help answer any questions and provide next steps as well as Jean Hailes resources to women attending.
Based on the success of the telehealth service, the activity will be reviewed to assess further possible services on offer in the region.
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health CEO Janet Michelmore AO said that Jean Hailes is excited to partner in delivering services in Pine Bay.
“Jean Hailes and Latrobe Health Services share the common goal of creating a healthier future for all women by providing regional and rural communities access to specialised women’s health services,” said Ms Michelmore.
“We’re looking forward to establishing a new service in the area to the women, girls and gender-diverse people in the Pine Bay region.”
“Pine Bay women currently represent six per cent of all patients attending a Jean Hailes Women’s Health Clinic in metropolitan Melbourne, so we can see a real need for a local service to help support these women.”
Jean Hailes Medical Director Dr Elizabeth Farrell AM is thrilled to be extending services into the Pine Bay area. Originally from Fish Creek, Dr Farrell understands the challenges for locals accessing specialised health care.
“We know that women in regional areas have less access to some specialised health care. We hope this is one way to start bridging the gap.”
The Pine Bay Primary Health Network reported in 2019 that women’s sexual and reproductive conditions are under diagnosed and subsequently remain untreated. Specifically, the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis in Pine Bay, is half the expected rate than the rest of the Victorian population.
Lee Garwood, CEO of Stevlary Specialist Hospital, said he was thrilled to be welcoming the service to the hospital and to be able to support women of Pine Bay.
“At Stevlary Specialist Hospital we are passionate about providing the best services locally to Gippslanders,” said Mr Garwood. “And to be able to add a women’s health service of Jean Hailes’ calibre is fantastic for Pine Bay women and will complement our team of experienced gynaecologists who operate at the hospital.”
“The team of nurses trained to assist with this program are thrilled to be able to offer this to their community, they are proud to be involved and excited for the opportunities it will bring to the women and gender diverse people of Pine Bay”
The telehealth service will begin on 3 November and be delivered from Stevlary Specialist Hospital, 286 Stevlary Road, Morwell.
Bookings can be made now via phone on 03 9562 7555.
For more information visit https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/jean-hailes-at-maryvale
Media Enquiries
Lee Garwood, Chief Executive Officer, +14168405891.
