The clinic, which is part of the Women’s Health Clinic project, aims to provide timely, evidence-based care in alignment with the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinical Care Standard, supporting better medical outcomes and reducing unnecessary interventions.  

Patients across the Grampians region will have access to a range of treatment options, including both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, with a focus on uterine-preserving treatments. 

“The clinic is a testament to our commitment to improving women’s health services in the region and its launch marks an exciting step forward for Grampians Health as we continue developing new pathways for specialised women’s healthcare,” said Ben Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Grampians Health. “By providing specialised care locally, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of women in our community.” 

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects approximately 25% of women of reproductive age, significantly impacting their quality of life, according to Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. By aligning care to the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinical Care Standard, the clinic aims to provide women the least invasive and most effective treatment suitable to their clinical needs and preferences. The standard also emphasizes informed choice and shared decision-making, ensuring women are well-informed about their treatment options. 

“The launch of the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding clinic is a significant milestone in our mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for women in the Grampians region,” said Dr. Natasha Frawley, Clinical Director of Women’s and Children’s, Grampians Health. “Excessive menstrual bleeding or abnormal periods can severely impact women’s day-to-day lives and their physical and emotional well-being. Through the clinic, we hope to ensure that care is easily accessible to those affected by heavy menstrual bleeding and suggest appropriate treatment pathways to alleviate their conditions.”   

Located in Ballarat, the clinic will be held weekly and is staffed by a gynaecology registrar and specialist nurses. Patients who might require further care will be referred to other relevant departments following the consultation. Appointments at the clinic can be obtained via GP referrals presently.  

Grampians Health is among one of the first sites in Victoria to have launched women’s health clinics that were designed to remove barriers to specialist care for women. The clinics aim to address conditions including pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause services. The Heavy Menstrual Bleeding clinic is the first among a suite of women’s health services being planned across Grampians Health sites.