Endometriosis Awareness Month

Tuesday March 18, 2025

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (12:38): I rise in support of the motion and thank the member for Waite for bringing this important issue to the chamber. I also extend my gratitude to all members of the select committee and to the parliamentary staff who travelled throughout the state, in particular to regional areas like Mount Gambier, to ensure that regional communities were involved and their voices heard. Living regionally and accessing specialist health care and support services presents unique challenges compared to metropolitan areas. It was essential that this committee took the time to listen firsthand to the experiences of those affected and those working in the field, ensuring their concerns and needs are properly considered in shaping future policy and support.

I was first made aware of some of the many difficulties that women with endometriosis face when my office was contacted by a local resident, Lynette, who was in her late 40s and had suffered from endometriosis for over 20 years. Lynette was first diagnosed in her early 20s and has since endured countless hospital visits, doctors' appointments, surgeries and, at times, debilitating pain and symptoms. Alongside this, she has faced days off work, long travel for appointments and significant financial costs as many of the treatments are not covered by Medicare.

Lynette came to our office after finally connecting with a specialist who understood all of her symptoms and proposed a new surgery that could be performed as a public patient. The problem was this surgery was in Victoria and she was rejected by the hospital because she was from interstate. We lobbied the state health minister at the time and eventually the federal health minister became involved. As a result, Lynette was able to have her surgery in Victoria as a public patient. Nearly five years on, she is still living with endometriosis, but her pain has reduced dramatically. She has since become a vocal advocate, raising awareness of the condition.

Through the committee's submissions, we have heard firsthand more and more stories like Lynette's—some who have had success with treatments, and others who are still struggling every day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the individuals in Mount Gambier who took the time to present submissions to the committee: Sarah Coshan, a pelvic physiotherapist from Embody Women's Health, and Eloise Zanoni, a physiotherapist from iCAN physio. Both Sarah and Eloise have invested time and expense to specialise in women's health and pelvic physiotherapy, providing vital services locally, services that women would otherwise have to seek in Adelaide or interstate.

Emma Dempster is an accredited exercise physiologist at Pro Active Health for Endometriosis. Emma's role is focused on symptom management and the prevention of comorbidities associated with chronic pelvis pain. She recognises the need for a multidisciplinary approach to ensure all aspects of the disease are addressed.

Dr Monique Kanters is a clinical lead for women's health at Hawkins Medical Clinic, a GP-led initiative aimed at improving the quality of care for women in the Limestone Coast. When Dr Kanters transitioned from hospital work to general practice, her primary goal was to enhance GP provision of care for women through in-house education sessions in obstetrics and gynaecology, ensuring a holistic approach to women's health.

Lucy Lines is an embryologist with over 25 years of experience in women's fertility. She has worked with countless women experiencing infertility as a result of endometriosis and has conducted extensive research on environmental factors and toxins affecting health.

Stacey Seedon, Gayelene Allen and Lucy Savage, a current Year 12 student, all bravely shared their own journeys and experiences with endometriosis, and Dr Colin Weatherill, Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, has been the resident O and G specialist in Mount Gambier for 22 years—an incredible achievement in a regional area where attracting and retaining specialists for such a length of time is rare. His dedication has provided stability and invaluable care to countless women in our region.

The stories and expertise shared with the committee reinforce the urgent need for improved access to diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care for women with endometriosis, particularly in regional areas. Women should not have to endure years of suffering, financial strain or travel long distances to receive the health care they need. I urge all levels of government to continue prioritising research, education and support services to ensure those living with endometriosis, no matter where they are, have access to the care they deserve. I again commend the member for Waite for bringing this important issue to this house.

 

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