Bass Coast Health encourages women to prioritise their own health and wellbeing during Women’s Health Week this year. Women are encouraged to be aware of early detection and screening opportunities to identify health concerns early.
‘Grow your knowledge’ is the theme of this Women’s Health Week, 4-8 September, and the team at Bass Coast Health (BCH) is very keen to help women be as healthy as possible.
Check-ups by a General Practitioner for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screening, skin checks and heart health every two years can detect health problems sooner rather than later.
At home, women are advised to check their breasts monthly for any unusual changes such as lumps that could be breast cancer, as well as check their skin, looking for new/changes spots. Women are urged to see a GP if they notice anything suspicious.
Cervical screening is also recommended every five years between the ages of 25 and 70, to check for cervical cancer. There are now options for self-collection of cervical screening.
For further information about health checks and when to perform them, go to: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/uploads/Health-checks-for-women-poster.pdf
BCH offers many services for women, provided by expert clinicians who can provide information and support to help women make informed decisions about their health.
Jess Jude, BCH Operations Director Women and Families and Cancer Services, said our services include Maternity Services, Maternal and Child Health, Childbirth Education, a McGrath Breast Care Nurse and BreastScreen to name a few of the women’s specific services at BCH.
“We also offer a comprehensive Gynaecology service that includes support with sexual and reproductive health, menopause, infertility and ovulation induction, prolapse repair, contraception, endometriosis, family planning, menopause education and management, persistent pelvic pain and urinary incontinence,” she said.
“Early next year, we will be increasing our Maternity and Neonatal service capability, enabling more women and babies to remain closer to home. The new service will offer a special care nursery and care of normal to moderate risk pregnancies, including planned birth from 34 weeks’ gestation, uncomplicated twin pregnancy and birth, and vaginal birth after caesarean section including induction.”
Janell Erman gave birth to her two daughters, Lara and Ela, at Wonthaggi Hospital and had a “really positive experience”.
“I felt comfortable because the Midwives were great at explaining what was happening, it was not rushed and I felt listened to,” she said.
“From the ante-natal classes, obstetrics appointments and giving birth to home visits from the Midwives, I had all of my care with Bass Coast Health.
“Since I had such a positive experience, I would recommend that other women have their children at Bass Coast Health.”
BCH’s women’s services extend to cancer care. We offer breast screening, appointments with breast surgeons Dr Chandika Wewelwala and Dr Sarah Birks, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, all close to our patients’ homes. We also offer the supportive services of McGrath Breast Care Nurse Taryn Robinson.
Patient Clare Armstrong underwent surgery and chemotherapy at Wonthaggi Hospital, and is now having immunotherapy.
“The service has been really good. When I was diagnosed everything happened very quickly and there was plenty of support, especially from Taryn (McGrath Breast Care Nurse,” she said.
“It’s been amazing to have all of my treatment locally so I haven’t had to travel for ages.”
To learn more about our cancer services, go to: https://www.basscoasthealth.org.au/patientsvisitors/cancer-support-page
To discuss our publicly funded, high quality Maternity Services close to home, please contact our team on (03) 5671 3201. To access all other Women’s Health services, email Access@basscoasthealth.org.au