Funding from BHP will allow a telehealth service to tackle the shortage of specialised women’s health services available in the Pilbara.
The partnership between Hedland Well Women’s Centre (HWWC) and Perth-based Luma for Her Health and Wellbeing will provide the Hedland community access to general practitioners (GPs) specialising in women’s health located in Luma’s Perth-based offices.
BHP’s support has enabled the purchase and installation of upgraded IT systems, including advanced cyber security programming, internet satellite upgrades and telehealth equipment.
The delivery model aims to improve the health and wellbeing of women living in Port and South Hedland. Initially commenced as a six-month pilot, the telehealth program will offer up to sixteen appointments per month to women in the Hedland area.
Confidential appointments will be scheduled fortnightly and involve video-enabled telehealth between the HWWC nurse, the client and a Luma GP.
Appointments will cover a range of services, including contraceptive counselling and prescription, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, hormone-related consultations and management of conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
HWWC’s CEO, Kianna Barker, said, “It will increase the capacity and offering of GP services in Port and South Hedland, specifically focusing on services that are in high demand for women.
“This is an important advancement in providing accessible high-quality, specialised healthcare to women in the Hedland community.”
HWWC is a not-for-profit organisation offering support for women aged 16 and over to reduce the incidence of disease and actively improve the health and wellbeing of women and their families in the Hedland area.
The centre operates on a social model that is non-judgmental, non-discriminatory, accessible, and affordable.
BHP Manager Western Australia Community, Rachel Donkin, said, “We are committed to improving the availability of health and community services in Port Hedland.
“This program will increase access to holistic health care and offer women support for reproductive health concerns and during pregnancy.”
Featured image: Reshetnikov_art/shutterstock.com
