Free virtual health service to help 'reduce barriers' for Victorian women

Victorian women will soon have free access to a virtual women's health clinic, providing specialist care for endometriosis, menopause, and reproductive health.

The telehealth service, led by specialist nurses, will partner with community health organisations to provide medical support.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said she hoped the service would reduce barriers and delays in accessing critical care, especially for women in regional and rural areas.

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The service will be able to deliver an initial health assessment and some treatment.

Patients can also be connected with a GP or get referred to a relevant health practitioner as close to home as possible.

"We know the gender health gap is real, especially for women living in regional or remote areas of Victoria – that is why we're establishing this virtual women's clinic to help breakdown the barriers to care," Thomas said.

"Abortion care is healthcare, and while we have already made abortion more accessible, we know there is more to do – because Victorian women deserve to have a choice, no matter where they live."

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Women will also be able to get referrals to mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence community support services.

It comes as the government's women's health clinic van hits the road around regional Victoria.

The van is operating in Edenhope in the state's west, before heading to Daylesford from February 17 to 28.

It's expected that the virtual health service will launch in the middle of the year.

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