Frequently asked questions - general
Why do you only see women?
Women’s Health Centres have been established because:
- Of gender inequality, as women are treated differently to men in society in general, leading to, for example, violence against women and sexual assault.
- Women are more socially disadvantaged than men in regard to education, wealth and power, and are also more likely to become ill.
- Women are more likely to se health services because of their social role as carers (of children, older people, or people with disabilities). This places extra strain on their health.
- Women have specific sexual and reproductive health needs à pregnancy, childbirth and menopause
These reasons led to the establishment of Women’s Health Centres to identify and address these concerns. They involve a holistic, woman-centered approach to healthcare, blending medical and clinical services with a range of counseling, health promotion, education, self-help sessions, complementary medicine and advocacy services.
What do you mean by a ‘women focused space?’
- We only employ women, as we are exempt from the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1977
- We attempt to use female contractors and trades people, in order to support women who wish to work in non-traditional trades areas
- Males are only allowed to enter the Centre if their female partner requests their presence, and is not forced in any way
- We display posters, brochures and magazines in the Centre which are supportive of women, and which celebrate our diversity,
What is the cost?
- There is no cost involved if you wish to have a consultation with one of our doctors or our Clinical Nurse Specialist, as these services are charged through Medicare, however you must hold a Medicare card in order to access them. There is also no charge for counseling sessions.
- Our acupuncture, naturopath and massage services carry a cost of ten dollars per consultation. Any vitamins or herbal mixtures that are involved cost extra, but at a minimal cost (not for profit).
- If you wish to attend one of our group sessions, such as Tai Chi or the Laughter Club, we ask for a $3 donation to cover the costs.
Do I need a Medicare card?
- You only need a Medicare card if you have an appointment with one of our doctors.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, in order to be seen by a health worker you will need to have an appointment.
Do I need a referral?
- No referral is required – simply call and make an appointment!
Why can’t I get an appointment straight away?
- All our staff work part-time, and therefore are not at the centre every day.
- Due to the nature of having sessional workers, clients tend to be booked in weeks in advance
- We are not open 24 hours – we are open business hours (9am-5pm) and are closed from 1-2pm for lunch
Do you have staff who speak my language?
- This depends upon which day you call or have your appointment on. We do have bilingual staff, but if you prefer to speak in a language other than English, it is more likely that we will use the health Interpreter Services.
How do I get access to an interpreter?
- We organise the interpreter service for you – we only employ female interpreters through the Health Interpreter Services.
- When you contact the centre to book your appointment, we begin the process of organising your session on a day which is convenient for both you and the interpreter you require. This understandably takes some time, and it may result in a 2-3 week gap before we can agree on a common date and time. These services are often quite busy, and your patience is appreciated.
- We also have a telephone interpreter service available, which can be organized on the day of your appointment if you prefer.
What is health promotion?
- Health promotion helps people to increase their control over their health and therefore improve it through health education.
Are your group rooms available?
- The rooms at the centre are available for other community groups to use, but Liverpool Women’s Health Centre sessions take priority.
- Any groups who which to have use of these rooms must comply with the centre’s feminist philosophy (that is, women only groups), hold functions during business hours, and understand that the Centre’s groups are reviewed and changed every ten weeks, which may complicate plans to use the space for the entire year.
Do you have disability access?
- We do have a ramp at the side of the Centre to enable wheelchair access. We also have a separate large bathroom with railings installed to make it easier for women with wheelchairs to use our facilities.
- The Centre’s clinic beds are electrical, which makes it easier for women who use a wheelchair to access them.
Are you open weekends?
- Unfortunately we are not open weekends, and our staff are not available after hours.
Do you do work with immigration/legal problems?
- We can provide information and refer on to immigration services, but we do not have staff that specifically cater to this.
- We have an outreach service from Women’s Legal Resource Centre, who works at the centre one day per fortnight. She provides free legal advice for women only, and her session is appointment based.
Can I bring my male partner/son?
- Liverpool Women’s Health Centre is a women only safe space, and we ask that men remain outside the Centre or take a walk up to Liverpool Westfield while their partner attends their appointment. The Centre is also legally exempt from the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1977, and will only provide services to women.
- However, male partners are allowed to enter the Centre if their wife or girlfriend requests it, and no coercion is involved.
- Male children younger than twelve years of age may enter the Centre, but if they are older than that, their presence must be requested by their mother to be allowed access.
What services are available for lesbians?
- We provide copies of the monthly lesbian magazine “Lesbians On The Loose”
- Liverpool Women’s Health Centre would be happy to hear from lesbians in the community who have suggestions on services the Centre could offer, specific to lesbians.
Do you provide housing?
- We do not provide housing. We can however provide information and refer on to the NSW Department of Housing
Do you provide childcare?
- We do not regularly provide childcare.
How do I get to see a counselor?
- When you call to book an appointment, your details are taken, and one of our counselor will call you back and carry out an assessment over the phone. This will determine whether or not this service is appropriate for you and how soon an appointment is offered to you.
- NSW Rape Crisis Centre – 9819 6565
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
- Domestic Violence Line – Counseling, Information and Referral (24 hrs) – 1800 656 463
- Salvation Army – all 24 hrs:
Careline – 9331 6000
Crisis/Suicide Prevention – 9331 2000
Youth line – 9360 3000 - Lifeline Counselling (24 hrs) – 131 114
- Emergency Services – 000
- DoCS Helpline – 132 111
- Drug and Alcohol Information, Referral and Crisis Service (24 hrs) –
1800 422 599
What age are the women you see at the centre?
We see women of all ages for their women’s health related issues. This means that we can see women from any age in which they experience these matters. From younger women experiencing puberty to older women experiencing menopause and everything that falls in between.
Can I have look around?
We are happy to have women come to the centre and have a look around as well as pick up pamphlets that are free on a wide range of topics pertaining to women’s health.
Referral information:
