Growing evidence and medical research has shown women often suffer poorer health outcomes because of systemic issues in healthcare delivery.
Women disproportionately experience delayed diagnosis, overprescribing, and a failure to properly investigate symptoms.
Addressing these concerns, a new National Women’s Health Advisory Council will examine the unique challenges that women and girls experience in the health system.
Chaired by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney, the National Women’s Health Advisory Council will bring together leaders and experts from women’s health organisations, consumer groups and peak bodies.
The Council will also conduct ongoing community consultation and consider input from those with lived experience to improve understanding of the barriers and bias women face.
The Council’s first meeting, scheduled for 20 February 2023, will consider:
- health equity in healthcare and services
- health literacy for women in priority populations
- strengthening and diversifying medical research
- health workforce training and education
The Council will also focus on a range of key concerns, such as menopause, cancer care, reproductive healthcare, causes of pelvic pain and cardiovascular disease. The Council will aim to promote better health outcomes for women and girls, and ensure their care is better tailored to their needs.
A panel of special advisers will contribute topic specific knowledge and relevant research from their areas of expertise to support the Council.
Assistant Minister For Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP said since announcing the Council last year, she has heard an outpouring from women young and old, no matter their background, who all have a story to tell
“Woman have told me they’re being seen but not believed. They seek help for crippling pelvic pain as teenagers but suffer into adulthood from raging endometriosis. They have symptoms dismissed for weeks, only to have a stroke from a brain aneurysm.
“The bias against women in the health system is deeply entrenched. We are now bringing together experts to begin to peel back the layers so we can chart a different course.”
One Response
As a Nurse with 33 years acute care experience. I would like to be involved with this. In my 50 wearing PPE while going through menopause. I am exhausted. Why did my work place not have a duty of care to me? Or show me any type of consideration.