The Royal Women’s Hospital welcomes the release of the report from the Victorian Inquiry into Women’s Pain and supports its 27 recommendations to improve how pain in women and girls is recognised, diagnosed and treated.
Co-chaired by Professor Sue Matthews, CEO of the Women’s, and Fi Macrae, patient advocate and founder of Private Parts Community, the Inquiry gathered insights from over 13,000 women, girls, carers and the sector.
“Co-chairing this Inquiry has been one of the most important experiences of my career,” said Professor Sue Matthews.
“We heard from thousands of women – accounts that were often overlooked. By formally listening and documenting these experiences and investigating systemic failures, the Inquiry has established a strong evidence base for significant reform.”
The Inquiry found that 90% of respondents had experienced pain lasting longer than a year, and more than half lived with pain daily. Women reported effects on mental health, relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
The report identified five key areas for action: unmet healthcare needs, gaps in research, gender bias, barriers across communities, and a call for change.
The recommendations address seven areas:
- Women’s health research
- Policy development
- Training and professional development
- Public awareness and cultural change
- Models of care
- Workforce planning
- Access and affordability
Key proposals include a Women’s Pain Action Plan, better education for health professionals, clearer referral pathways, and increased investment in research.
Professor Matthews added: “As a nurse and health leader for over 40 years, I thought I understood women’s health. But hearing directly from women searching for answers, for care, for someone to listen, has deepened my understanding. Equity in healthcare is overdue.”
The Women’s acknowledges the Victorian Government’s role in initiating the Inquiry and its broader investment in women’s health. The hospital encourages continued transparency and timely implementation of the recommendations, including greater investment in women’s health research.
“Focusing on women’s health is not about special treatment,” said Prof Matthews. “It is about addressing what has long been neglected.”
The Women’s will continue to work with government, clinicians, researchers and communities to ensure the Inquiry leads to lasting improvements in care.
Read the full report here: Bridging the Gender Pain Gap [pdf|1,338KB]