A WOMEN’S health clinic has been travelling around Central Queensland as part of an initiative started by the Central Queensland Sexual Health branch of the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.
The clinic, known as the Well Women’s Clinic, provides health and sexual health services to women in the region.
A team of specially trained women’s health nurses are on staff to provide services such as assessment of menstrual problems, cervical screening, and contraception advice.
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service’s Mobile Women’s Health Nurse Melissa Moore said CQ Health’s Well Women’s Clinic is a “free and confidential service” that includes cervical screening, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, education and advice on contraception, incontinence, and menopause.
“In Blackwater and Emerald, it also includes a sexual health screening clinic,” Ms Moore said.
Blackwater and Emerald clinics are held monthly, with the next clinics on May 26 and 27.
The service visits Capella every six months, with the next clinic on August 17.
Tieri is also visited every six months, with the next clinic on August 18.
“Rolleston gets a visit every year, Woorabinda has a clinic every month with the next on May 17, and the Gemfields has clinics every six months with the next on August 19.”
Ms Moore said she grew up in a remote area and understood the challenges of accessing services.
“It’s very important that these women can see myself or another member of the team as impartial health professionals without having to see us at the local football game or socially on the weekend,” she said.
“The service is very well received, and well used by rural communities thanks to ongoing community engagement, education and awareness.”
For more information about the service, go to www.health.qld.gov.au.
