Ahead of Women’s Health Week, Hunter New England Local Health District’s Menopause Hub is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a year of life-changing support for women across the Hunter, New England, Mid North Coast, and Northern NSW regions living with severe and complex menopause symptoms.

Since opening in Newcastle in August 2024, the hub has received almost 700 referrals for women.  The hub provides both in-person consultations and telehealth appointments, providing care as close to home as possible.

The service has supported women from Greater Newcastle, Tamworth and the North West, Mid North Coast, Hunter Valley, New England, and Manning regions. In person consultations have made up around 60 per cent of visits.

Early data shows measurable improvements in patient-reported outcomes, with a 30 per cent reduction in moderate to severe symptoms over a three-month period.

The hub’s multidisciplinary team, including specialist doctors, women’s health nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and clinical psychologists, also run menopause group education programs. Virtual pelvic floor classes will soon begin, as well as a virtual physiotherapist-led exercise program for women at risk of, or living with, osteopenia or osteoporosis.

General practitioners, specialists, and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women for advanced care, with in-person consultations available, along with telehealth support for those in rural areas.

For more information about Hunter New England Local Health District’s Menopause Hub and referral criteria, contact 02 4924 6358.

For more information visit: NSW Health - Menopause services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Up to one in four women experience severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why we have committed to establish these hubs right across NSW.

“It’s fantastic to hear women describe the support they’ve received at the hub as life changing, thanks to expert care and specialised services available.

“The Hunter New England Local Health District’s Menopause Hub has already helped hundreds of women improve their quality of life, and this milestone is a celebration of what’s been achieved in just one year.”

Quotes attributable to the Hon. Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women: 

“The NSW Government is proud to provide life-changing health services to women in New South Wales, especially the menopause hubs, one of which is right here in the Newcastle and Hunter region.

“This hub is part of a $37.35 million, four-year NSW Government investment towards establishing a statewide network of specialist menopause services.

“The hubs complement a range of other investments to enhance women’s health services including a $34.3 million, four-year funding enhancement for 20 Women’s Health Centres across the state, as well as a $18.6 million investment to fund 29 new McGrath Breast Care nurses.

“We are also making it easier for women to receive the care they need, such as allowing pharmacists to extend supply of the oral contraceptive pill and prescribe medications for uncomplicated urinary tract infections.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery: 

“As we kick off Women’s Health Week I’m pleased to increase awareness so women can receive appropriate menopausal care and support.”

“Menopause will affect most women at some stage of their life. For some, the symptoms might be limited. For others, it can be debilitating.”

“I’m glad to see this great facility is in Wallsend. It has already made a huge difference to the lives of women suffering from severe or complex menopause symptoms.”

Quotes attributable to Hunter New England Local Health District’s Executive Director of Clinical Services, Nursing and Midwifery, Elizabeth Grist:

“We are proud to see the impact this service has had on women whose symptoms have not improved with primary care, or who face additional medical challenges.

“The service is particularly important for women experiencing perimenopause or early menopause, such as those undergoing post-cancer treatment. The feedback we’ve received from patients is both humbling and inspiring, reaffirming why this service is so essential.”