Women experiencing severe or complex menopause symptoms now have improved access to additional support following the establishment of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s (NBMLHD) new menopause referral service.
NBMLHD’s new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to provide assistance and support for women whose symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or those women who face additional complications from other medical conditions.
The new service has been established as part of NSW Health’s menopause network, which has four hubs and multiple referral sites across the state and is networked with the South-Western Sydney LHD hub.
Care Coordinators will assist with triage and navigate care locally, supporting the medically-led, multi-disciplinary hub team of nursing and allied health professionals to provide holistic support.
The NBMLHD Specialised Menopause Referral Service will deliver care using a hybrid approach, with a largely virtual service coupled with face-to-face consultations when they are required.
General practitioners, specialists, and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women for advanced care, and are welcome to contact the service directly by emailing nbmlhd-menopause@health.nsw.gov.au.
“This Specialised Menopause Referral Service will promote flexibility and choice in the way women in the Nepean Blue Mountains region access support to manage severe menopause symptoms,” said Health Minister Ryan Park.
“By continuing to break down barriers like geographic isolation through effective use of virtual care technology, this service will help us continue to improve health outcomes in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.”
Penrith MP Karen McKeown said women’s health and wellbeing is a key priority for the NSW Government.
“Menopause management can be complex. The opening of this new menopause referral service, as part of a wider network that includes four Menopause Hubs, ensures support is available for women experiencing severe menopause symptoms,” she said.
“It is one way the NSW Government is making sure women get the important holistic healthcare they need.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle:
“Every woman’s experience of menopause is different, and this service will ensure women get the help they need to manage severe or complex symptoms.
“Up to one in four women endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown:
“Severe menopause symptoms don’t discriminate and we’re pleased women in the Nepean Blue Mountains region will have access to potentially life changing care.
“The service is a significant step forward in ensuring women with complex needs receive the specialised care they deserve.”
Quotes attributable to NBMLHD Menopause Service Coordinator Holly Miller:
“Our ability to escalate to multidisciplinary virtual care through the networked Specialist Menopause Service ensures access to a wider range of specialists.
“Through the service, we’re building a supportive community where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences and accessing the care they need.”
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