The 2022-23 Budget committed $16.4m over four years to support the establishment of targeted Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP Clinics (GP clinics) in primary care settings.

The intention of these GP clinics is to maximise the role of the GP led multidisciplinary care team in the management of endometriosis and pelvic pain, and to embed the GP as a core part of the care pathway for this chronic condition, optimising the role of primary care.

Funding will be provided to a minimum of 16 existing GP clinics to enhance capability and capacity to manage endometriosis and pelvic pain. At least one clinic will be located in each State and Territory. This funding will be targeted at clinics who currently deliver services focused on women’s health, and aimed at improving provision of diagnosis, treatment and management of endometriosis and pelvic pain.

It is expected that these clinics will enable more appropriate and timelier endometriosis care and management, leading to improved diagnosis timeframes and appropriate pain management for impacted patients.GP clinic objectives include:· improved access for patients to diagnostic, treatment and referral services for endometriosis and pelvic pain· provision of access to new information, support resources, care pathways and networks· provision of an appropriately trained workforce with expertise in endometriosis and pelvic pain· directly benefiting patients from rural and regional areas· providing enhanced support to priority populations· increased access to support services, either through a nurse navigator or referral pathway.

Funding of up to $200,000 p.a. over four years will be provided to at least 16 GP clinics following a Department of Health and Aged Care (Department) assessment process. Funding will commence in the 2022-23 financial year.

This funding may be used for a wide range of services including but not limited to advanced training qualifications, further study, additional practice staff (e.g. allied health, nurse navigators), enhanced referral pathways with local providers, equipment purchase. On behalf of the Commonwealth DoHAC Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) is seeking expression of interest (EOI) from existing accredited GP practices in the catchment specialising in women’s health that would meet the majority of the selection criteria.

NOTE: Submission of an application as part of this initial process is not a guarantee a GP practice will be selected to receive funding. PHNs will not be responsible for decisions on final GP clinic locations, funding amounts or assessment activities. Applications will be evaluated against the assessment criteria by a Departmental panel, in consultation if required, with the Department’s Endometriosis Expert Advisory Group (EAG). Should a PHN nominated GP clinic(s) be chosen following the Department led assessment process from early 2023, the successful GP clinic(s) will be formally commissioned by EMPHN with reporting and management requirements associated with the funding. It is expected that commissioning of selected GP practices will occur from February 2023. Current planning anticipates GP clinics will be commissioned and operational from March 2023.