General News
3 April, 2025
Health clinic heading west
Across the Wimmera Mallee, access to free women’s health care and advice will soon be available closer to home thanks to a tour by a mobile women’s health clinic.
Operated by the Victorian Government in partnership with BreastScreen Victoria, the new clinic is an important addition to the growing number of public women’s health services that are being rolled out statewide.
The van – known as NINA – is currently spending time in Central Victoria before heading west.
It will be in St Arnaud on March 17 – 28, Birchip on March 31–April 11, Warracknabeal on April 14–May 2 and Nhill on May 5–15.
The travelling clinic will address barriers in accessing care faced by many women of all ages when living outside a metropolitan area.
For women from the LGBTIQA+ community, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Aboriginal women, these access issues can be further compounded simply because of who they are.
NINA is staffed by a highly experienced nurse practitioner who is able to provide a variety of services, including sexual and reproductive health advice, STI testing and treatment, long-acting reversible contraception, access to medical abortion and referrals to other healthcare specialists.
In addition to treating immediate health needs, the mobile service will support referrals for specialist care, as well as to services for mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence.
The clinic is focused on building connections with women, regional and rural communities, and local health services including Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations.
All care is delivered in an environment that is welcoming, safe and respectful.
NINA will soon be complemented by a virtual women’s health clinic offering free, expert medical advice, treatment and care for a range of women’s health needs via telehealth or online.
Both the mobile and virtual clinics are part of the state government’s landmark $153 million women’s health package that is transforming the way women’s healthcare is delivered.
To follow the mobile clinic’s itinerary, visit breastscreen.org.au/locations/mobile-screening-services.