During Women’s Health Week, a pivotal moment for spotlighting women’s health issues, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, and Federal Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale MP, visited the Hunters Hill Medical Practice (HHMP) to underscore the importance of accessible and comprehensive women’s health services. Their visit highlights the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare for women, particularly through the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, which benefits from funding provided by the Federal Department of Health.

Celebrating Women’s Health Week

Women’s Health Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the unique health challenges women face and promoting the importance of proactive health management. An emphasis on empowerment and supporting women has emerged. HHMP aims to provide comprehensive support systems to address various health issues, from general wellness to specific conditions like endometriosis. The week serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups, education, and community support in managing women’s health concerns.

Spotlight on Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

An area of focus for Minister Kearney has been endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately one in seven Australian Women and one in ten women globally. Endometriosis is characterised by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterus, causing chronic pain and potentially leading to infertility. The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at HHMP aims to provide support, strategies and hope for women suffering from these debilitating conditions.

The clinic, supported by the Federal Department of Health, provides focused care that includes medical treatment, physiotherapy, dietitian advice, psychological support, and nursing care. This holistic approach aims to address the multifaceted nature of endometriosis and pelvic pain, offering patients a range of options tailored to their specific needs.

Meeting with HHMP Staff

During their visit, Minister Ged Kearney and MP Jerome Laxale had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated staff of HHMP. The visit began with a clinic tour and proceeded to meetings with the clinic’s team, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses, and management staff. The parliamentarians engaged in detailed discussions about the range of services offered at the clinic and the impact of federal funding on their ability to provide comprehensive care.

Dr Kylie Ozen and Dr Pooja Rastogi, both of whom see patients at the HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, spoke about the challenges and successes of treating patients with endometriosis. They emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, which combines medical treatments with physical therapy and psychological support and dietary advice to improve overall patient outcomes. Dr Charbel Badr, Medical Director at HHMP discussed using the grant funding to integrate these services to ensures that the greatest number of patients receive them. This included innovative approaches such as online group sessions which helped the team deliver services to some patients who are 200+ kilometres away.

Monica Marcos from Ryde Road Physiotherapy, discussed the role of the physiotherapists at the clinic in helping patients manage pain and improve their quality of life through specialised exercises and techniques such as TENS. Amanda Patterson discussed the role of psychological support to help patients cope with their ongoing pain, manage the emotional toll of chronic pain and control the stress associated with their condition.

The nurses and management staff were also recognised for their essential roles in delivering care and maintaining the clinic’s operations. Their dedication ensures that patients receive continuous, high-quality care and that the clinic runs smoothly.

The Impact of Federal Funding

Federal funding has been instrumental in supporting the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic’s operations. This funding has enabled HHMP to expand its services, invest in state-of-the-art equipment, and enhance patient support systems. The funding has also allowed HHMP to send a team to The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia‘s national seminar in Adelaide to keep up to date. Minister Kearney was very supportive of the teams work and discussed some options to help further support women’s health.  Mr Jerome Laxale congratulated the staff on the work they were doing and mentioned how proud he was to have of of the 22 national clinics in his electorate of Bennelong.

Looking Ahead

The visit to HHMP during Women’s Health Week serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to address women’s health issues with compassion and dedication. By highlighting the work being done at the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, Ged Kearney and Jerome Laxale MP have brought attention to a critical area of healthcare that requires continued support and investment.

As Women’s Health Week comes to a close, we would like to recognise the many women in our community and wish them the best of health. We would also like to recognise the many wonderful and committed health practitioners that work from HHMP and provide support to these women on a daily basis.

For more information about the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Hunters Hill Medical Practice, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080 . You can also reach out online to various women’s health initiatives, through their website or reach out to local health services. Let’s continue the conversation and support women’s health every week of the year.

Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain present complex challenges that require a multifaceted approach to treatment. The HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic is part of the Commonwealth Government National Plan for Endometriosis where multiple Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics have been funded to bring such care to patients in their communities.

The HHMP team is dedicated to providing sensitive and up to date care for patients with endometriosis and pelvic pain. As a multidisciplinary practice, different clinicians collaborate as a team—comprising doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, gynaecologists, endocrinologists and other relevant specialists. This multidisciplinary model allows us to address the diverse needs of our patients through a combination of medical, nursing, and allied health interventions to best suit their needs and medical conditions.

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia National Seminar

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia‘s national seminar is a premier event that brings together experts from various fields to share the latest research, advancements, and techniques in the management of pelvic pain and endometriosis. For our team from HHMP, attending this seminar was an opportunity to stay at the forefront of these evolving fields.

Attending the seminar also allowed the team to learn from the experience of others. We were able to meet and discuss the clinic workflow and refine these for the HHMP patients. As the HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic moves forward and continues to grow, the team remain dedicated to leveraging the insights gained to improve patient outcomes.

Patient Benefits

If you suspect you have endometriosis or pelvic pain and you would like to know how we can help, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080

A recent US study followed nearly half a million women for 12 years. 79,000 women had been diagnosed with endometriosis at an average age of 36, and 372,000 age-matched controls without endometriosis. It has revealed a significant connection between endometriosis and a heightened risk of ovarian cancer.

The worse the endometriosis the higher the risk

The findings, led by researchers from the University of Utah, indicate that women with endometriosis are over four times more likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to those without the condition. Notably, women with severe subtypes of endometriosis, such as deep infiltrating endometriosis and ovarian endometriomas, face an almost 10-fold increased risk.

Cause is multifactorial

The exact mechanisms linking endometriosis to ovarian cancer remain unclear, but is thought to be multifactorial. Researchers suggest a potential genetic predisposition and overlapping hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory markers

Next Steps

Given these findings, women with endometriosis, particularly those with severe subtypes, may benefit from counselling regarding their ovarian cancer risk. Additionally, for women who have completed childbearing or have alternative fertility options, more definitive surgical interventions might be worth considering.

This research underscores the importance of targeted screening and prevention strategies for women with endometriosis to better manage and mitigate their elevated risk of ovarian cancer.

If you suspect you have endometriosis or pelvic pain and you would like to know how we can help, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080

Resources:

The study: Endometriosis Typology and Ovarian Cancer Risk 

JAMA Editorial: New Insights into Endometriosis Subtypes and Ovarian Cancer Risk 

Our bones are the strong scaffolding that supports our bodies, allowing us to move, stand tall, and go about our daily lives with ease. However, their strength isn’t a given throughout our lives. Bone density, the measure of how compact and strong our bones are, plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. In this blog, we’ll delve into bone density, the silent condition of osteoporosis, ways to manage it, and how a recent initiative at our practice, the Bone Bus, is making a difference in our community’s bone health.

Understanding Bone Density and Osteoporosis

Bone density refers to the amount of bone tissue in a certain volume of bone. In simpler terms, it’s the measure of how strong and dense your bones are. It’s an essential aspect of your overall health because low bone density can lead to a condition known as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it progresses slowly and typically doesn’t exhibit symptoms until a fracture occurs. This condition weakens bones, making them brittle and more susceptible to fractures, even from minor falls or bumps. Osteoporosis is a serious health concern, especially among older adults, as it can result in significant pain, disability, and a decreased quality of life.

Ways to Manage Bone Density and Prevent Osteoporosis

The good news is that there are several steps you can take to manage your bone density and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis:

1. Dietary Choices: Calcium and vitamin D are vital for bone health. Ensure you have an adequate intake of these nutrients through dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods, and supplements if necessary.
2. Regular Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and strength training help strengthen bones and increase bone density.
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these habits can contribute to bone loss.
4. Bone Density Testing: Regular bone density tests, like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, can assess your bone health and identify any early signs of bone loss.
5. Medications: In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to slow bone loss or increase bone density.

The Bone Bus: A Mobile Bone Density Screening Initiative

At our practice, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our community. Recently, we partnered with the Bone Bus to make bone density testing more accessible to local patients. For three days, this mobile unit was stationed at our practice, offering bone density checks.

During this period, we were able to screen 150 patients, helping them take a proactive approach to their bone health. This initiative allowed us to identify individuals at risk for osteoporosis or those with early signs of bone density loss, providing them with valuable insights into their health and early intervention.

The Importance of Early Detection and Prevention

The Bone Bus is just one example of how early detection and prevention can make a significant impact on individuals’ lives. By identifying bone density issues in their early stages, we can implement strategies to prevent fractures and improve people’s capacity and function.

Prevention is always better than treatment, especially when it comes to conditions like osteoporosis. Regular bone density checks are a vital part of preventive healthcare. Just as you would visit your doctor for routine check-ups, it’s essential to discuss your bone health with your GP. If you’re at risk or concerned about your bone density, don’t hesitate to ask for a bone density test.

The Multidisciplinary team available at HHMP to support patients at risk of falls and fractures

• GPs – all can help with screening and general advice
• Registered Nurses – help with recalls for injectable medications and administration of medications
• Care coordinator – to educate patients and complete health assessments and care plans
• Endocrinologists – to help identify more complex medical and hormone issues such as parathyroid conditions and offer medical treatments for these
• Dietitian – to help with appropriate food intake including calcium and vitamin D
• Physiotherapists to help with strength, conditioning, balance and falls prevention
• Podiatrists to help with appropriate shoes selection and preventions of slips and falls

Conclusion

Our bones are the silent heroes that support us throughout our lives. Understanding bone density, recognizing the risks of osteoporosis, and taking proactive steps to manage your bone health can significantly enhance your overall well-being. Initiatives like the Bone Bus underscore the importance of early detection and prevention in ensuring strong, healthy bones for years to come. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider and discuss your bone density as part of your regular healthcare routine. Your bones will thank you for it, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, more mobile future.

In light of Sydney’s latest COVID-19 outbreak, Hunters Hill Medical Practice has been ramping up our COVID-19 vaccination program to meet recent patient demand for vaccination. Practice doctors, nurses and staff are working extra hard to deliver as many vaccines to as many people as quickly and safely as possible.

Before the recent outbreak in Sydney, HHMP nurses were delivering about 30 COVID-19 vaccines per day. This has been able to be ramped up to about 120 vaccines per day in the last few weeks. During the last week we delivered 527 COVID-19 vaccines and the week before that 517 vaccines. This is an amazing effort of which the whole team is very proud. Our aim now is to further increase the number of vaccines delivered week on week to help do our part in tackling Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak.

Latest advice

The latest ATAGI advice indicates that vaccination, with any vaccine is recommended unless contraindications exist. This means that those who are as yet unvaccinated, are recommended to get vaccinated with the vaccine available to them (usually AstraZeneca) rather than waiting for another vaccine (eg: Pfizer or Moderna).

Information about preparing for your COIV-19 vaccine is available here, and the latest clinical guidelines, here.

HHMP COVID-19 vaccine Clinic

The HHMP vaccine clinic is the mainstay of the HHMP COVID-19 vaccine program. The clinic operates 5 days per week, Monday to Friday and will soon be running some Saturday sessions. Usually AstraZeneca vaccines are delivered 3 days per week and Pfizer vaccines 2 days per week. This is based on vaccine availability.

AstraZeneca vaccines can be booked online via the Book-Now button on our webpage. Pfizer vaccines need to be delivered to those who meet the eligibility criteria and can be booked on 9817 2080. If you do not meet the current Pfizer eligibility criteria we can add your name to our waiting list and inform you when you become eligible.

Please be patient with our staff as we are experiencing very high call volumes and are simply trying to follow government set eligibility criteria.

The staff, nurses and doctors at HHMP are very excited to welcome a new addition to the team – Dr Ujvala Rao. Ujvala is an accomplished and hard working doctor that we think will fit in well with our team and be very popular with patients.

Dr Ujvala Rao

BSc MB BS (UNSW) MMed (USyd) FRANZCOG

Ujvala has worked in multiple hospitals and general practices across NSW. She is currently in her final GP Registrar term with GP Synergy.

Having completed training as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, she has a strong background and interest in women’s health. She has since decided to pursue further training in General Practice in order to provide care for the whole family. This is one of her greatest interests in medicine. She is looking forward to treating patients throughout their lifecycle from just after birth until old age.

Ujvala will be working at Hunters Hill Medical Practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She will also visit local nursing homes on Tuesdays.

When not working, Ujvala loves getting out and about in nature and spending time with family and friends. Cooking, reading and travelling are other passions.

Ujvala looks forward to caring for patients from all walks of life and helping them achieve their health goals.

Clinical Interests

Women’s health, paediatrics, men’s health, mental health, minor surgical procedures.

After seeing 100 patients per day and delivering over 100 COVID-19 vaccines the HHMP doctors, nurses and staff can be a little tired! However, today we received a lovely letter and drawings from 8 year old Bella which cheered us all up.

Bella’s 6 star review and letter

Bella drew 6 stars around her very kind letter that she wrote for us… which we think is fantastic 6 star review and is the highest review we have ever got! This is even higher than all the 5-star Google reviews. Thank you Bella.

We hope all the lovely young patients and their families are coping with home schooling as well as possible. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

The HHMP team.