The state government inquiry into women’s pain is asking Victorian girls and women to share their experiences of pain and pain management by the end of the month.
Thousands of women and girls across the state have shared their personal experiences of pain and its management so far – this will help shape the way the government delivers treatment, care and support for women in Victoria.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced on 24 July that more than 12,000 contributions have already been made to the government’s inquiry into women’s pain.
“For too long women’s pain has been overlooked, misdiagnosed and dismissed – we’re taking action by listening to Victorian women and transforming how women’s health is treated in Victoria,” she said.
With one week to go until the survey closes, the government is asking for more women and girls to make their voices heard reflecting the diversity of experiences across the state.
The survey is available in ten community languages including Arabic, Turkish, Vietnamese, Italian and Greek.
So far, there’s been an overwhelmingly positive response to our survey from women and girls across Victoria, including family members, carers and supporters as well as clinicians and healthcare workers.
Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health Kat Theophanous said this is an extraordinary response from women and girls across Victoria who have generously lent their voices and experiences to help shape a health system that truly understands their pain.
All interested Victorian women and girls are encouraged to share their stories before the submissions and survey closes on Wednesday, 31 July.
Through the survey, women and girls have told the government about the daily impact pain conditions have on their lives.
The survey findings along with written submissions and feedback from more than 20 community forums and focus groups will inform recommendations to the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council by the end of the year.
As part of the government’s $153 million transformation in women’s health, 20 new women’s health clinics will be delivered, expanding the sexual and reproductive health hubs network.
This will double the number of laparoscopies for endo and associated conditions and provide scholarships for more than 100 women’s specialists.
“We’ve heard from thousands of women who have told us about not being heard, being misdiagnosed and having their conditions downplayed. But we know there are so many more women and girls whose stories we have not heard so I encourage you to fill out this survey,” said Minister Thomas.
Submissions can be made at health.vic.gov.au/public-health/inquiry-into-womens-pain.
