Investing in local women’s health
By Zoe Waters, Executive Director Barwon Health Foundation
Yesterday the world marked International Women’s Day, and here in Geelong it had me reflecting on what it truly means to invest in women. Not just in words, but in the kind of tangible, lasting commitments that change lives. The Barwon Health Foundation is very proud to invest in local women’s health as a fundamental priority.
One of our proudest achievements in recent times has been helping establish Barwon Health’s first-ever Foetal Medicine Service for public patients in Greater Geelong.
Before this service existed, when a routine pregnancy ultrasound raised concerns - as happens for around one in ten expectant mothers - families faced difficult options. They were either referred to a private ultrasound clinic, often costing hundreds of dollars, or sent to Melbourne. Waiting times for an appointment could stretch to weeks. two, three, even four weeks.s For parents already anxious about their unborn child, those weeks can feel endless.
In 2021, the Foundation launched an appeal to raise $250,000 for a specialised foetal ultrasound monitor - the equipment required to bring this vital service to life within our public health system for the first time. Thanks to the generosity of our community, philanthropy made it possible. Today, women experiencing complex pregnancies at Barwon Health can access specialist foetal ultrasound close to home with on the spot with expert counselling from a fetal medicine specialist, surrounded by their support networks.
In 2023, the Foundation was proud to support the Early Pregnancy Assessment Service and Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic through investment in vital additional ultrasound equipment to assist women experiencing pain and bleeding in early pregnancy. Having ultrasound available directly physically within the clinic enables immediate diagnosis, counselling and management, improving both care and outcomes for women during an incredibly vulnerable time.
To further enhance the patient experience, Just last year, the Foundation also funded the purchase of four new birthing beds, supporting safer and more comfortable births for women and their babies.
We have also been helping to advance care available for local patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The Foundation has recently announced a landmark $1.65 million investment over the next five years to help bring new transformational breast cancer clinical trials to Barwon Health.
This investment is enabling the Cancer Services Trials Unit to activate pioneering clinical trials and research initiatives, bringing new, cutting-edge, personalised care to women in our region who qualify to participate.
For local women diagnosed with breast cancer, this means access to new and innovative clinical trials close to home - without the burden of travelling to Melbourne, without being separated from loved ones, and with the very best evidence-based care available right here in our region. It means more hope and potentially better outcomes for women and families across our community.
These achievements exist because of Geelong - and beyond. Because of the donors, supporters and community members who believe that women in our region deserve the same standard of care as those living in major capital cities. Every dollar raised through the Foundation is an investment in the health of local people, and indeed our future.
And there is more to come.
The new Barwon Women’s & and Children’s is under construction - a development that will define the next chapter of women’s and children’s healthcare in our region for generations to come. I look forward to sharing more about this in the months ahead and the role philanthropy will play.
As we reflect on International Women’s Day, I want to sincerely thank every person who has contributed to advancing women’s health across our region.
This International Women’s Day, I hope you feel proud of what we have achieved, together.
