Workplace assistance the next step in endometriosis support

The workplace materials, to be developed by Safe Work Australia, are designed to ensure employers are better equipped to support employees who are experiencing – and suffering from – endometriosis in the workplace.
 
‘With at least one in 10 women of reproductive age in Australia suffering from endometriosis, it is important that this large part of the Australian workforce is supported in the workplace,’ Federal Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer said.
 
‘These employees should feel understood, supported and comfortable to discuss their common chronic condition with their employer, and seek the support they need in order to embark upon or continue a productive and rewarding career.’
 
Minister O’Dwyer said it is estimated women with endometriosis can lose up to 11 hours per week of workplace productivity.
 
The Government said it will work with states and territories on the roll out of the workplace materials.
 
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Government is also creating a new clinical practice guideline for endometriosis as recommended by the National Action Plan for Endometriosis.
 
According to Minister Hunt, the new guideline will ‘be a tool for the suite of medical professionals who encounter patients with endometriosis, including GPs, emergency doctors, nurses and specialists, to achieve best practice care in diagnosing and managing endometriosis’.
 
‘To date, there have been no national evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis in Australia,’ he said.

Endometriosis National Action Plan for Endometriosis workplace materials