Family planning and sexual health in Brewarrina and Walgett
Family Planning NSW, Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service (BAMS) and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited (WAMS) are working together to bring reproductive and sexual health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls in north-west NSW.
The first part of the partnership will have Family Planning NSW doctors and registered nurses join the teams at BAMS and WAMS to hold clinics in Brewarrina and Walgett each fortnight, starting in February 2022. The project's core purpose is to expand the services offered to women in the community through collaboration between the BAMS and WAMS nurses, midwives, Doctors, Aboriginal Health Workers, administration team and the Family Planning NSW staff.
The partnership will provide confidential and accessible "women's business" services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women living in regional and remote areas.
WAMS CEO, Mrs Christine Corby OAM said the women's business clinics would enhance the services already on offer at Walgett and Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Services, which have been serving the community for more than 35 years.
"We want our women to receive the very best healthcare. When the AMS's and Family Planning NSW come together, we know we have women's health experts bringing care to our community for a whole range of women's business, including contraception, monthlies and cervical screening," Mrs Corby said.
Family Planning NSW Regional Operations Manager Sarah Dowe said the partnership between the organisations was a natural fit.
"We really believe in making sure our services are reaching the communities that need our care the most. We are proud to be working with both BAMS and WAMS to deliver local culturally appropriate care to women and girls in areas. We know that finding a doctor or nurse with specialised reproductive and sexual health training can be challenging.
"Family Planning NSW, BAMS and WAMS share the same goal – to ensure women and girls everywhere have equal access to high quality health services, regardless of where they live," Ms Dowe said.
Services on offer at the fortnightly clinics include cervical screening tests, breast checks, testing for sexually transmissible infections and providing contraception, including the pill and long-acting reversible contraceptive methods like the IUD or contraceptive implant.
Doctors and nurses will also be available to offer advice and support for women and girls who are struggling with menopause or periods (monthlies) or have other questions about their reproductive and sexual health.
The first clinics at Walgett will take place from February 16th to 18th and the first clinics at Brewarrina will begin on 21 February.
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Media enquiries:
P: 0402 880 653
E: media@fpnsw.org.au
W: https://www.fpnsw.org.au/
