In November 2022, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Latrobe Health Services and Maryvale Private Hospital partnered to bring a telehealth women’s health clinic to Maryvale Private Hospital as the first step in potentially establishing a face-to-face clinic.  

Unfortunately, consumer demand for the clinic has been low. This, coupled with national shortages in the GP workforce and the state government announcement of a new women’s health clinic in the Latrobe Valley, has resulted in Jean Hailes for Women’s Health deciding it will no longer provide clinical services at Maryvale Private Hospital. While disappointing, the findings from this initiative - the first of its kind in Australia - will inform Jean Hailes’, Latrobe Health Services’ and Maryvale Private Hospital’s future work to support the health of women across Gippsland.  

The three partner organisations remain committed to improving women’s health education and literacy using the lessons learned from the trial. 

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health CEO, Sarah White said, it had been a pleasure working with the professional team at Maryvale Private Hospital.  

“I’m very grateful to Latrobe Health Services for their foresight in providing funding to trial new and innovative approaches to service delivery. 

“It was a very difficult decision to withdraw from service delivery at Maryvale Private Hospital. We’ve learnt a lot from this pilot service and I think there are other ways we can support women across Gippsland, particularly now that the Victorian Government has announced it will fund a public clinic in the Latrobe Valley.” 

Latrobe Health Services CEO, Ian Whitehead said he understood the workforce challenges that means the Jean Hailes at Maryvale Service would not continue.  

“This is a disappointing outcome to all partners, and we know our community will be disappointed too. However, our commitment to Gippsland and our members remains. We will always be a fund that looks to be innovative and make investments that can improve the health outcomes of our community. We’re currently working with Jean Hailes and Maryvale Private Hospital on future options for the Gippsland community. 

Likewise, Lee Garwood, CEO at Maryvale Private Hospital said his organisation remained committed to providing and improving services for Gippslanders.  

“We have a team of credentialed gynaecologists consulting from Maryvale Private Hospital who are committed to women’s health in Gippsland.” 

Latrobe Health Services will soon be announcing details of their next women’s health event in Gippsland.  

 

FAQs

Toggle Item

When is the service ceasing?

No appointments for Jean Hailes at Maryvale will be taken after 30 June 2023 

Toggle Item

Why is the service ceasing?

Unfortunately, consumer demand for the clinic has been low. This, coupled with national shortages in the GP workforce and the state government announcement of a new women’s health clinic in the Latrobe Valley, has resulted in Jean Hailes for Women’s Health deciding it can no longer provide clinical services at Maryvale Private Hospital.  

Toggle Item

Where do I go for women’s health services?

As always, your family GP is a great start for many health issues.  

Members and community can make appointments with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health at their Clayton or East Melbourne clinics or via telehealth (if appropriate). Appointments can be made by calling (03) 9652 7555.  

No referral is required to see a Jean Hailes women’s health GP. There are also a range of resources and tips available on the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website www.jeanhailes.org.au  

In Gippsland, Maryvale Private Hospital has an excellent team of consulting gynaecologists. To see one of these specialists, they will need to ask a GP for a referral to one of the Maryvale team. 

A new women’s health service has been announced at Latrobe Regional Hospital. The timeline on this service is yet to be confirmed.