More women with polycystic ovary syndrome will be able to access the treatment, expert advice and support they need thanks to a new Victorian-first clinic supported by $460,000 from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today officially opened the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Clinic at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. Monash University and Monash Health have worked together to establish a state-wide polycystic ovary syndrome support, education and care clinic.

This new clinic means Victorian women will now be able to receive the full suite of clinical services and lifestyle programs they need. This includes access to facial hair laser treatment, and a range of other treatments to manage their symptoms, along with important educational resources for both women and health professionals.

In addition to onsite patient-centred clinical services, Monash Health will be expanding education and support through forums and social media.

The new clinic is part of Victoria’s first-ever Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan launched earlier this year, supported by $6.6 million in new funding from the Labor Government.

The strategy includes:

• Delivering family planning training for doctors and nurses, particularly in regional Victoria
• Establishing eight community-based sexual and reproductive health hubs, four of which will be in regional Victoria
• Supporting the continued rollout of endometriosis resources
• Working with Aboriginal women and women with disabilities to improve sexual and reproductive health.

Victorian women will also be able to access confidential, evidence-based advice and support with Women’s Health Victoria chosen to establish and operate Victoria’s first women’s reproductive health phone line.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“For too long women’s sexual and reproductive health issues have been neglected. The Victorian-first Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Clinic will improve diagnosis and deliver quicker access to care and expert advice.”

“The importance of sexual and reproductive health services cannot be underestimated. They are integral to the health and wellbeing of women and our future generations.”

“Victoria is leading by example in women’s health policy and care. We are working to ensure sexual and reproductive health services are appropriate, sensitive and accessible to all women, no matter where they live.”