Victoria Introduces New Standard for Women’s Pain Care
Victoria has introduced a new state-wide pain standard aimed at improving how women, girls and gender-diverse people are treated when they seek medical care for pain.
The Victorian Department of Health updated the Victorian Pain Standard on 14 September, setting out expectations for timely, respectful and evidence-based pain care across the state’s health system.
The standard calls for patients to be taken seriously when they describe pain, listened to when discussing their concerns and involved in decisions about their treatment and care.
It also says patients should be offered appropriate choices and practical support to manage pain safely and effectively.
Focus on timely and respectful care
Under the new standard, patients should receive clear information about their condition and treatment options, with pain relief discussed before and during gynaecological procedures, including intrauterine device (IUD) insertion.
The standard also calls for timely diagnosis, early treatment and ongoing care, including when the cause of pain is unclear or medical tests do not immediately identify a condition.
Health services are expected to provide care that considers the physical, psychological, emotional, social and cultural effects of pain and recognises the importance of culturally safe and inclusive care.
The Victorian Government said historic systemic bias had contributed to women, girls and gender-diverse people experiencing unnecessary and avoidable pain.
Inquiry highlighted widespread concerns
The new standard follows Victoria’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain, launched in 2024.
More than 13,000 people participated in the inquiry and consultation process. According to the Victorian Government, 90 per cent of respondents said they had experienced pain lasting more than a year, while 54 per cent said they lived with pain every day.
The inquiry also found that many participants had experienced their pain being minimised, normalised or overlooked.
The government said the new standard is intended to make the quality of pain care more consistent, regardless of where a patient seeks treatment or which health professional provides it.
More pain relief options for IUD procedures
The new standard follows other Victorian measures aimed at improving women’s access to pain relief.
In May, the Victorian Government announced that Penthrox, commonly known as the “green whistle”, would be available free at all 20 Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs across the state for pain relief during IUD insertion and removal.
The government said the Women’s Pain Inquiry found that significant or severe pain during IUD procedures was common and that some patients had not been offered sufficient pain relief options.
The hubs provided free or low-cost services to more than 11,000 women and girls last year, according to the government.
Premier Jacinta Allan said many women had experienced their pain being dismissed and described the expanded access to pain relief as a small but important step.
Expansion of women’s health services
Victoria is also expanding specialist women’s health services as part of a broader $153 million women’s health package.
On 3 September, the Menopause Connecting Care Clinic at Sandringham Hospital began providing free specialist care for women experiencing menopause, perimenopause and related health conditions.
The clinic brings together an endocrinologist, a GP specialising in menopause care, a nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, dietitian and psychologist.
The wider program includes 20 women’s health clinics, 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs, a virtual women’s health clinic, a mobile women’s health clinic and a dedicated Aboriginal women’s health clinic.
The Victorian Government said the reforms are intended to give women greater choice, support and access to healthcare while improving recognition and treatment of pain.
