New women's centre a first for the State

The University of Adelaide has opened a new women's health centre which brings together some of the most highly qualified reproductive health specialists in the State as well as the next generation of doctors.

The Adelaide Women's Health Centre, situated at 77 King William Road in North Adelaide, is a first for South Australia, combining women's health GP services with research and clinical training for senior medical students.

Nine general practitioners are based at the centre, including the Medical Director Dr Jane Elliott, along with two gynaecologists, an obstetrician, reproductive endocrinologist and a psychiatrist.

Health services offered at the clinic include contraception, pre-menstrual syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, sexually transmissible infections, pre-conception counselling, menstrual problems, low libido, menopause, osteoporosis and all psychological aspects of women's health.

The centre will provide valuable clinical training for the next generation of doctors, matching fifth-year University of Adelaide surgical and gynaecology medical students with individual GP specialists on a rotational basis.

Clinical trials relating to obstetrics and gynaecology will also be undertaken at the centre to ensure the latest research outcomes are put into practice.

"The breadth of services we are offering at the Adelaide Women's Centre is a first for this city," Dr Elliott said.

"It is important that women have access to holistic advice when seeking treatment for reproductive health issues. GPs with a special interest in women's health are in a good position to provide this, with support from specialist colleagues in the team."

The project is the brainchild of three of Adelaide's most experienced reproductive health care practitioners - menopause specialist Dr Jane Elliott; Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide, Alastair MacLennan; and the Director of the University's Robinson Institute, endocrinologist Professor Rob Norman.

The Adelaide Women's Health Centre is jointly run by the University of Adelaide and Adelaide Unicare, a University-owned general practice service.

"It has taken two years to get this project off the ground with the help of Federal Government funding. Individual women will be the biggest winners initially but this service will benefit the whole community in the long term," Dr Elliott said.

Women do not need a referral to see a GP at the centre but they will need one to see a specialist. For more information phone the Adelaide Women's Health Centre on 8313 2000.

Story by Candy Gibson