The Sutherland Hospital clinic makes vital health screenings easier for Aboriginal women. Picture Facebook

Aboriginal community members and staff recently gathered at Nura Guwara, within The Sutherland Hospital, to celebrate the launch of the new Aboriginal Women's Health Clinic at HealthOne Sutherland.

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This marks a step forward in providing culturally safe, community-led care specifically designed for Aboriginal women.

The clinic offers free and confidential women's health checks. A key feature of the service is the provision of cervical screening, which now includes the convenient option of self-collection.

To ensure the service remains responsive to the needs of the community, all care is supported by a dedicated Aboriginal Women's Health Coordinator.

The Women's Health Program will also facilitate community information, education, and engagement sessions across the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) to raise awareness about the vital importance of regular health screenings.

Cervical cancer is recognised as one of the most preventable cancers, and a Cervical Screening Test every five years is the most effective defence. While the Pap test was once the standard, it was replaced in 2017 by the more advanced Cervical Screening Test. This modern approach looks for the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection responsible for almost all cervical cancers. Because HPV is often asymptomatic and passed through sexual contact, regular testing is essential for early detection and prevention.

Health authorities recommend that anyone aged 25 to 74 who has a cervix and has ever been sexually active should participate in screening every five years, even if they have previously received the HPV vaccination. This improved screening program aims to significantly reduce cervical cancer deaths by making the process more accessible and encouraging higher participation across the region.

The clinic is open on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 10am to 2pm. Residents can find the service at HealthOne: The Sutherland Hospital, Corner of Kingsway and Kareena Road, Caringbah. To book a confidential appointment, contact the Women's Health Nurse directly at 0457 881 350.