New network to connect young people experiencing pelvic pain with specialist care

The state government has announced a new Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network, which aims to help young people experiencing pelvic pain, painful periods and endometriosis access the right care earlier and closer to home. Women's Health Goulburn North East (WHGNE) welcomed the initiative, highlighting the feedback they hear from women and girls across the Goulburn North East region who have struggled to have their pain recognised or experienced delays accessing appropriate care The organisation said painful periods are often normalised, which can mean young people don't realise when symptoms may warrant medical attention. WHGNE CEO Mandy Macdonald said they know that many girls grow up believing painful periods are simply something they have to put up with. "Through our work in schools, we're helping young people understand what's normal, what's not, and when to seek support.," she said. "Initiatives like this new clinical network are important because they can help ensure girls who need specialised care are identified earlier and connected with the right services sooner." In a Victorian-first, the dedicated network is now available at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). A special 'nurse navigator' will triage and connect patients with the right care, closer to home. This care will be delivered via a network of clinicians across metro Melbourne and regional Victorian, including specialist GPs, physios, dietitians, occupational therapists, nurses and gynaecologists. For complex cases, the RCH will continue to provide specialised care. The nurse navigator will also provide three-month check-ins to follow up on patients’ experience and treatment outcomes. A new website with dedicated, easy-to-understand online resources will also be available for young people, families and health professionals to improve their experience in accessing care. WHGNE said the success of the new clinical network will also depend on young people recognising symptoms early and feeling confident to seek help. WHGNE has developed painful periods resources and an adolescent menstrual health presentation to help young people and families understand what constitutes a healthy menstrual cycle, what symptoms may indicate something more serious, and when to speak with a health professional. For young people in regional communities, access to specialist services can be particularly challenging. WHGNE said it is encouraged to see a model that seeks to connect young people with appropriate care closer to home and look forward to seeing the impact this has for girls and families across regional Victoria. This new service is one of 20 Women’s Health Clinics being delivered by the state government across Victoria and responds directly to Victoria’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain. The clinics are part of a landmark $153 million women’s health package.

New network to connect young people experiencing pelvic pain with specialist care

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