Wednesday, 26 August 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (12:19): Too many girls and young people across Victoria experiencing pelvic pain are facing barriers and delays in diagnosis. That is why our government is making it easier for those experiencing painful periods and pelvic pain conditions and endometriosis to get the specialist care and support they need.

Last week I was pleased to join the member for Northcote Kat Theophanous in the other place at the Royal Children’s Hospital to open a dedicated kids and teens pelvic pain clinic network. At the Children’s we met Sarah, who bravely shared her story about juggling her study alongside managing her pain. Care will be delivered via a network of clinicians across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with a special nurse navigator triaging and connecting patients with the right care for them close to where they live. The network will include specialist GPs, physios, dietitians, occupational therapists, nurses and gynaecologists.

This new service is one of 20 women’s health clinics being delivered by the Labor government across Victoria as part of our response to the Victorian inquiry into women’s pain. As part of a $153 million package to transform the way women’s health is delivered in Victoria, we are already delivering 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs, a virtual women’s health clinic, a mobile women’s health clinic and a dedicated and first-of-its-kind Aboriginal women’s health clinic. We are delivering the care that Victorian women and girls deserve – free, accessible and close to home – and it means that kids and teens like Sarah can get the right care sooner.