A recent Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) education event in Mudgee is helping primary health care professionals strengthen their skills in managing pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
Pelvic organ prolapse affects up to 50% of Australian women who have given birth and can significantly impact quality of life. Despite its prevalence, the condition is often under-recognised. With birth injuries and ongoing conditions estimated to have contributed to a $17.5 billion economic impact across Australia in 2023-24, improving access to effective and timely care is increasingly important.
The Mudgee event brought together 29 health professionals, including 16 GPs and registrars, 10 nurses and three allied health professionals. Delivered by pelvic health physiotherapist Natalie McConochie, the session strengthened participant understanding of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, including management strategies such as pelvic floor muscle training, lifestyle interventions and pessary management.
Education opportunities like this help build local workforce capability in areas where access to specialist women’s health services can be limited. By providing health professionals with contemporary knowledge and practical skills, WNSW PHN is supporting earlier intervention, informed treatment decisions, and ongoing care closer to home.
Natalie McConochie said the growing network of clinicians working in women’s health across the region is strengthening access to care for local communities.
“The delivery of this education event reflects the dedication and expertise of pelvic health physiotherapists right across our region, working in both public and private settings.
“For a long time, I was the only pelvic health physiotherapist in this part of the region. We now have a growing workforce providing this care, and when I teach, I am honoured to represent the collective knowledge, experience, and commitment of that group,” Ms McConochie said.
Session participants praised the practical nature of the training and its relevance to everyday practice. One attendee described the session as providing “evidence based, contemporary and very relevant information”, while another highlighted the “engaging, excellent presentation with visual aids, demos and models”. Others said the session provided “great information to take back to work” and increased their confidence in supporting women with pelvic health concerns.
WNSW PHN remains committed to providing accessible professional development opportunities that build a skilled, connected, and confident workforce, helping communities across Western and Far West NSW access high-quality care closer to home.
