Djerriwarrh Health Services hopes the opening of free ‘wellness clinics’ in Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Caroline Springs will improve the health of women across Melton and Moorabool.
The opening of the new clinics follows the release of figures revealing Melton has one of the lowest pap test rates in the western suburbs.
Community health nurse Denise Heathcote says the Djerriwarrh clinics offer a holistic service that encourages women to look after every aspect of their health.
“We have hour-long appointments in which we give a full assessment,’’ she said. ‘‘We discuss blood pressure, weight, gynaecological issues, contraception options, family history of illness and risk, relationship issues, breast health … basically anything.”
Ms Heathcote said she hoped women would feel comfortable enough to have a pap test at the end of the appointment. “We want to provide another choice for women, as opposed to just seeing their GP.”
Ms Heathcote will lead sexual health information sessions at schools in Melton and Myrniong next month.
“Research has shown that the more education provided, the less chance there is of teens being sexually active early. And if they are, they’re likelier to practise safe sex.”
Releasing a four-year plan to improve sexual and reproductive health at the start of the month, Women’s Health West said latest figures showed only 51.6 per cent of Melton women aged 20-69 had a pap test in the three years to 2011. Melton women aged 20-24 fared worse, with only 36.2 per cent having had a pap test from 2009-11.
Women are advised to have the test, which detects changes to the cervix before cervical cancer develops, every two years.
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