The NSW government announced a menopause virtual health hub last week which will enable women to access flexible, complex care from highly trained professionals such as physiotherapists.  

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is thrilled to see investment in the complex care required to manage women's health conditions and calls on the rest of Australia to follow suit.

APA Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health National Chair, Dr Angela James, says that the virtual health hub will not only remove barriers to women’s essential health services but will pave the way for equitable funding of women’s health issues.

‘NSW is leading Australian healthcare through their acknowledgement of nuanced women’s health concerns and this systemic reform will undoubtedly improve quality of life,’ Dr James says.

‘The new virtual health hub acknowledges that healthcare is not ‘one-size-fits-all' and will enable physiotherapists to deliver their essential first-line care in manners that suits their client and the severity of their symptoms.’

Physiotherapists are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat symptoms of menopause and associated conditions. The new virtual hub will enable GPs, specialists and nurse practitioners to refer eligible women to the appropriate practitioner to manage symptoms in the mode most effective for them, whether it be telehealth or in-person.

‘Menopause and perimenopause are conditions that will affect every woman, and the physiological symptoms often greatly impact their quality of life. We often associate menopause with the overt symptoms, but physiotherapists are equipped to manage covert presentations like pelvic floor dysfunction, musculoskeletal pain and bone health, to name a few.’

‘As healthcare professionals, we continue to fight for people from every community to have access to adequate care. The investment in virtual treatment avenues will ensure women across NSW, including in rural and regional areas or those who are unable to travel due to their symptoms, will have better health outcomes.’  

The APA has long advocated for pelvic health physiotherapy funding and the new virtual hub, which makes up one of four menopause-specific hubs in NSW, will enable physiotherapists to put their advanced scope into practice to increase the women’s quality of life at every life stage.

‘I implore other Australian state governments to fund women’s healthcare and invest in similar accessible care options so women can thrive through every stage of life.’

-ENDS-

Dr Angela James is available for immediate comment.