The Albanese Government is committed to making a difference for women of every age and at every stage. As part of this commitment, the Government is investing in digital tools to improve access to quality care for women experiencing menopause
The theme of this year’s Women’s Health Week is ‘It’s all about you’, which runs from 5–11 September. The theme reminds women to put themselves first and take care of their health and well-being.
The theme is important given the results of the latest National Women’s Health Survey, released by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. With the impacts of COVID-19 the focus of this year’s survey, close to half of the Australian women reported a decline in their physical and mental health.
The results show that physical and mental ill-health is affecting the everyday lives of many women. A large group of women aren’t getting preventative care, such as regular health checks and cancer screenings, leading to poorer long-term outcomes.
The Albanese Government is investing more than $1 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Partnership Project scheme, to improve the delivery of health care for women experiencing menopause.
Researchers led by Monash University endocrinologist, Professor Susan Davis, will develop a simple assessment and decision-making tool to ensure menopausal symptoms are not overlooked when women are seeking care.
The tool will ensure key information is immediately accessible to GPs, together with a self-assessment to be completed by women before their consultation, and will be integrated into GP software.
The project will be undertaken in collaboration with the Australasian Menopause Society, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
This commitment is in addition to the Albanese Government’s broader reforms to improve the well-being of Australian women, including investing in Medicare, closing the gender gap at work, making child care cheaper, and ending violence against women and neglect in aged care.
The Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney said, “The decline in women’s health and wellbeing is of great concern. It’s really important that we continue to invest in tools and resources to improve women’s access to quality care.”
“Australian women, girls, and gender-diverse people – especially those at greatest risk of poor health – deserve equal access to safe, effective, affordable and appropriate health care services and support that meet their needs.”
“Menopause can wreak havoc to women’s daily lives, from significant pain, crippling anxiety and sleeplessness. That’s why it’s so important that we’re making it easier for women to have quality, accessible menopausal care from their GP,” she said.
Original content from the Hon Ged Kearney MP media page. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
