Expressions of Interest: Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP Clinics

⁠⁠⁠North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from general practices to establish Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP clinics on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care.

While NWMPHN can nominate up to 3 general practices, the Department decides which are accepted. There will be at least 16 clinics nationally with at least one in each state and territory.

Background
The 2022-23 Budget committed $16.4 million over 4 years to establish targeted Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP Clinics (GP clinics) in primary care settings. The intention of these clinics is to maximise GP-led multidisciplinary care teams in managing endometriosis and pelvic pain, and to embed GPs as a core part of the care pathway for this chronic condition, to optimise the role of primary care.

Funding will be provided to a minimum of 16 existing GP clinics to enhance capability and capacity to manage endometriosis and pelvic pain. At least one clinic will be located in each state and territory. This funding will be targeted at clinics which currently focus on women’s health. The funding is to improve provision of diagnosis, treatment and management of endometriosis and pelvic pain. It is expected that these clinics will enable more appropriate and timelier endometriosis care and management, leading to improved diagnosis timeframes and appropriate pain management for affected patients.

The Department has asked primary health networks (PHNs) to conduct this process locally on its behalf. NWMPHN has chosen to distribute a broad EOI to ensure that all practices which meet the criteria have an opportunity to be considered.

PHNs have been instructed to submit nominations for a maximum of 3 practices per PHN. NWMPHN will consider the following in the initial assessment of local applications:

• capacity of clinic
• experience in providing women’s health services
• location of clinic in relation to need.

Please remember, there will be a minimum of 16 clinics nationally and it has not been confirmed how many will be in Victoria. The final decision on which general practices are chosen will be made by the Department.

What is involved?
GP clinic objectives include:

• improved access for patients to diagnostic, treatment and referral services for endometriosis and pelvic pain
• provision of access to information, support resources, care pathways and networks
• provision of an appropriately trained workforce with expertise in endometriosis and pelvic pain
• direct benefit for patients from rural and regional areas
• provision of enhanced support to priority populations
• increased access to support services, either through a nurse navigator or referral pathway.

Funding of up to $200,000 per annum over 4 years will be provided following a Department assessment process. Once it has chosen the clinics, the successful general practices will be formally commissioned by their local PHN with reporting and management requirements associated with the funding, which will begin in the 2022-23 financial year. This funding may be used for a wide range of services including but not limited to advanced training qualifications, further study, additional practice staff (for example, allied health, or nurse navigators), enhanced referral pathways with local providers, or equipment purchase.

How to apply
To submit an EOI, please complete the application form (.docx). Applications close Friday 2 December at 5pm. Please forward completed applications to primarycare@nwmphn.org.au

For more information contact the Primary Health Care Improvement team:

Phone: 9347 1188
Email: primarycare@nwmphn.org.au