Improving access to complex menopause care on the Central Coast

28 October 2024

Women who experience severe or complex menopause symptoms will benefit from enhanced support, with the opening of Central Coast Local Health District’s (CCLHD) new Menopause Service.

The CCLHD Menopause Service is part of NSW Health’s extensive menopause network, which includes four menopause hubs and multiple referral sites throughout the State.

As a part of this network, the Central Coast-based service is designed to assist women whose menopause symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or who face additional complications from other medical conditions.

CCLHD’s Menopause Service is linked to Northern Sydney Local Health District’s Menopause Hub based at Royal North Shore Hospital, which means women can access a comprehensive approach to managing severe menopausal symptoms through a multi-disciplinary team of medical specialists, nursing and allied health professionals, physiotherapy, dietetics, social work and clinical psychologists.

General practitioners, specialists, and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women for advanced care. Women are also able to self-refer for an initial appointment. GP referral is required for subsequent appointments and referral to the specialised Royal North Shore Menopause Hub. Referrals to the service can be made by emailing [email protected]

For more information about the CCLHD Menopause Service and referral criteria, contact 4356 9300.

More information about NSW Health’s menopause services can be found here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/women/Pages/menopause.aspx

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Up to one in four women experience severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.

“The opening of the CCLHD menopause service will improve access to care for women needing support for severe or complex menopause symptoms on the Central Coast.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:

“I’m pleased to see this service is now available on the Central Coast for local women experiencing severe or complex menopause symptoms.

“To have access to this specialised care right here on the Coast has the potential to be life-changing for many women in our community and is a welcome addition to the Central Coast Local Health District’s service offer.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

“Women have identified menopause as a top health issue and managing it can be complex.

“The opening of a new Menopause Service in the Central Coast ensures regional women experiencing menopause symptoms who need specialised care and support can get it when they need it, including referrals to a Menopause Hub.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch:

“Where was this service when I needed it three years ago!? I know I was unprepared to deal with the symptoms of menopause when they arrived and it would have been great to be able to access a team of experts in our own community.

“It’s great to know that women on the Coast can now access these very important comprehensive services and we can self-refer for an initial appointment.”

Quotes attributable to Member for the Entrance, David Mehan:

“The opening of the CCLHD Menopause Service is an important step in advancing women’s health on the Central Coast.

“Offering specialised services for menopause ensures that women in our community receive the necessary support, education, treatment and care should they require it.”

Quotes attributable to CCLHD Menopause Coordinator Kelly Armstrong:

“Our nurse and physiotherapist-led service will work in partnership with the patient’s GP, to improve their quality of life and symptom management through menopause.

“We know for many women symptoms can range in severity and type. Women with severe and complex menopause symptoms often need specialised care from a multi-disciplinary team.  With the support of the Royal North Shore Menopause Hub, I’m thrilled we can now provide this life-changing service for women.”