EPPC Expansion Funding Improves Health Outcomes for Central Coast Women

Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP, for $770,000 in funding over three years for expansion of its Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic (EPPC) services.

Part of a $19.6 million-dollar Australian Government commitment announced earlier this year, the funding will enable CCCWHC to build on its existing capacity to support women in the community who otherwise could not afford to access specialised support for endometriosis, pelvic pain management, perimenopause and menopause.

CCCWHC CEO, Sara Foster, says as the largest and longest-serving women’s health charity on the Central Coast, the Centre has witnessed an increasing number of women presenting with endometriosis, pelvic pain, menopause and perimenopause symptoms.  

“Our women’s health clinic currently provides trauma-informed, holistic care for women with suspected or diagnosed endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain,” says Sara.  

“As a community-based, women-only primary healthcare service, we are seeing an increasing proportion of women presenting with complex and often long-standing symptoms consistent with endometriosis, including pelvic pain, fatigue, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities.

“This funding will enable faster diagnosis, dedicated support and specialised management of these symptoms, which will be lifechanging for the women accessing these services.”

The funding will also improve health outcomes for women who have traditionally faced increased barriers to accessing specialist healthcare.

“Our women’s health clinic prioritises access for women from marginalised backgrounds, including First Nations women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, LGBTIQ+ people, and women experiencing financial hardship,” adds Sara.

“These women commonly face increased barriers to specialist and other healthcare services, and this funding prioritises their access to this specialised care to improve health outcomes for women in these communities.”

CCCWHC is reviewing best-practice models of specialist EPPC care across Australia, particularly in Victoria, where the Bridging the Gender Pain Gap Inquiry Report draws on broad consultative research from thousands of women and girls to inform improved models of healthcare and increased access pathways for all women in our society.

The EPPC expansion funding will be rolled out in the 25/26 financial year.