The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG, the College) is pleased to announce that it has been successful in securing funding from the Australian Commonwealth Government to support the development of clinical resources and initiatives aimed at improving care for women living with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain.
Recent investigations and the increased focus on care in Victoria have highlighted the need for urgent improvements, resources, education, and training across the wider system.
TV has continued its ongoing advocacy in this area by engaging directly with key stakeholders, including the Hon. Mark Butler MP, Federal Minister for Health and Ageing; the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, Victorian Minister for Health; the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP); Safer Care Victoria; consumer representatives; and others, to address how specialist capability and confidence can be strengthened to improve patient outcomes.
As a result, the government has today announced that it will commit a $7.45 million package to support specialist and primary care capability enhancement, among other services and initiatives. This funding will support RANZCOG and RACGP to make improvements to clinical guidance and care standards for persistent pelvic pain and endometriosis, as well as provide education and training for specialists, GPs and other health providers included in multidisciplinary care.
Dr Nisha Khot, RANZCOG President, welcomed today’s announcement, saying, “Improving care for women with pelvic pain and endometriosis has long been a priority for the College. The College has worked closely with the Government to secure this funding. We commend the Government for investing in much-needed initiatives that will strengthen clinical guidance, support multidisciplinary models of care, and better equip clinicians to deliver safe, evidence-based care.”
Endometriosis and pelvic pain have been underfunded and under-researched for too long. While there is still much more to be done to improve understanding and close gaps, this investment represents an important step toward better supporting clinicians and improving outcomes for women living with these complex conditions.
–Dr Nisha Khot, RANZCOG President
Dr Marilla Druitt, RANZCOG Victorian Committee Chair, and President of Pelvic Pain Victoria, says “Education and training are critical to improving how we manage pelvic pain. Investment in building the knowledge and skills of a broad range of clinicians across specialties will strengthen clinical capability, support best-practice multidisciplinary care, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for women.”
TV looks forward to working closely with government, clinicians, consumers, and key stakeholders to implement these initiatives and ensure they translate into meaningful improvements in care. The College remains committed to supporting clinicians with the guidance, education, and tools needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care, and to improving outcomes for women living with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain.
Media enquiries
Bec McPhee
Head of Advocacy & Communications
bmcphee@ranzcog.edu.au
+61 413 258 166
