Victorian Virtual Women's Health Clinic Enhances Access to Care

In a significant advancement for women's healthcare access in Victoria, a newly established virtual women's health clinic has begun offering vital services to address the needs of women experiencing chronic conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic pain. Launched in June 2025, this initiative aims to bridge the gap in healthcare services that many women, particularly in regional areas, face due to long wait times and limited local provider availability.

The clinic, operated by Eastern Access Community Health, provides free 30-minute consultations through phone and video calls, covering a range of services from cervical screenings to specialist support for conditions often overlooked in traditional healthcare settings. According to Kim Lucas, a nurse at the clinic, the initiative has already conducted 132 appointments, with patients traveling from as far as Mildura and Swan Hill, areas known for their limited access to healthcare providers. "Most of the time, we can see them within 24 hours and they get what they need – whether it’s a script or a referral," Lucas stated in a recent interview.

Annabelle, an 18-year-old patient diagnosed with endometriosis, shared her journey of navigating pain and misdiagnosis. Initially, she encountered reluctance from a male GP registrar who suggested that her severe pelvic pain was likely a mental health issue rather than a physical ailment. This experience left her and her mother, Kylie, feeling invalidated and frustrated. However, the virtual clinic changed the trajectory of her care. Following a laparoscopy that revealed endometriosis, Annabelle was referred to the clinic, where she received not only medical advice but also video physiotherapy sessions tailored to her needs. "Because of my trauma, physio can be confronting, especially when it involves intimate areas. This has been the best way to do it," Annabelle explained.

The virtual women's health clinic is part of a broader $153 million initiative proposed by the Victorian Labor government to improve women's healthcare access, which includes mobile health clinics and increased laparoscopic procedures for endometriosis. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. A report published by Women's Health Victoria in 2023 indicated that one in five local government areas in Victoria lacked a medical abortion provider, with only 17% of GPs offering such services.

Dr. Evie Kendal, a bioethicist and public health scientist at Swinburne University, emphasized the importance of virtual healthcare in addressing the needs of women who may face barriers such as caregiving responsibilities or lack of transportation. "The reality is people can’t make it to the clinic, they can’t get someone to watch the kids, they don’t have access to transportation, they don’t have the money or whatever it is. It’s an opportunity to intervene and provide health information, even if it’s not a perfect solution," Kendal stated.

The clinic's approach not only offers immediate healthcare solutions but also aims to destigmatize discussions around women’s health issues. Lucas noted that the initiative particularly focuses on providing access to medical abortions discreetly, which is crucial for women in rural areas where stigma can be a significant barrier to seeking care.

As the clinic continues to operate, it represents a vital step forward in women’s health in Victoria, providing services that are not merely reactive but proactive in nature. The results thus far suggest a promising future for similar initiatives across Australia, as health authorities look for sustainable ways to alleviate pressure on emergency departments and ensure accessible care for all women.

The Victorian virtual women's health clinic operates Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and can be reached at 1300 003 224 or through the Each website. This service, alongside other government initiatives, reflects a growing recognition of the need for specialized healthcare that acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences of women.