Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has welcomed a new multimillion-dollar women’s health service that is now available in the Nanango Electorate.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering expanded medical services for women and girls in regional and rural Queensland, with the new virtual counselling Women’s Wellbeing Line.
The service provides women with essential mental healthcare, counselling, pregnancy loss advice and health referrals.
The service is operated by Women’s Health and Equality Queensland and supported by the Queensland Government with a $11.35 million investment over four years.
Staffed by trained counsellors and midwives, the service offers a telephone and web chat service and will soon offer face-to-face video conferencing.
Since December 1800 4 WOMEN has assisted nearly 180 people, who sought support for non-crisis mental health support, grief and loss counselling following pregnancy or neonatal loss, midwifery support and advice, and domestic and sexual violence counselling.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government was committed to boosting mental health services across the state.
“The service responds to the vital need for more accessible women-focused mental health and wellbeing care statewide and is a lifeline for many Queensland women, especially in regional, rural and remote areas,” Minister Nicholls said.
“The Women’s Wellbeing Line is one way our Government is helping regional and rural women to have access to professional health support where and when they need it most.
“Another way we are delivering on our commitment to boost mental health services is through the provision of 30 perinatal mental health for new mothers and their families.”
Deb said she had been fighting for better regional and rural health care for many years.
“I’m so glad to see my years of advocacy have paid off and women of the Nanango Electorate are now getting the medical treatment they deserve.
“This is a huge win for regional women who can now access this essential health care from their homes.
The Women’s Wellbeing Line operates Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
To access the service, call 1800 4 WOMEN (1800 496 636), email [email protected], or connect via webchat.