MITCHELL Shire residents can now get vital pain relief, with the green whistle (Penthrox) available at Wallan Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub.
The safe, fast acting and dignified pain management option is available for free for IUD insertions and removal.
The rollout was a promise made by the State Government following the release of Victoria’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain.
The report highlighted the near-universal experience of significant or severe pain during IUD procedures. The inquiry revealed that for too many, IUD insertions were completed without adequate pain relief options available. It also found that women were told they would only have minimal discomfort and some cramping manageable with paracetamol, only to experience severe pain.
Premier Jacinta Allan said so many women have experienced their pain symptoms being dismissed, and “I’m one of them.”
“This is a small but important step – we believe you, we’ll support you, and it’s free,” she said.
Minister for Health Harriet Shing said providing the green whistle through the Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs will prevent and ease pain and save women and girls time and money.
Rolling out the green whistle at all 20 hubs in Victoria helps women and girls control of their own care.
More than 11,000 women and girls used the free or low-cost services across the network of hubs last year.
Nearly 40 per cent of hub patients were concession card holders, with most living in the regions.
The hubs offer a range of services including contraception, medical abortion and referrals for surgical abortion, as well as testing, early diagnosis and treatment of STIs.
For more information, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/sexual-and-reproductive-health-hubs
