New service finder charts reproductive health services in NSW

Family Planning Australia has launched SEARCH+ a new, online reproductive and sexual health service finder mapping reproductive and sexual health services across NSW for the first time.

SEARCH+ helps NSW patients find healthcare such as contraception, menopause and abortion services close to their homes. The new SEARCH+ website is a voluntary register and lets professionals like GPs, pharmacists and radiologists list their service and patients can search by postcode, service and provider type for the specialised care they need.

Almost 600 listings can be found on the site and Family Planning Australia CEO Sue Shilbury said SEARCH+ was an important tool to help patients find the care they need.

"We have a range of providers and services on SEARCH+ and we are encouraging more providers to add their details," Ms Shilbury said.

"This is the first site of its kind in NSW and builds on the work of the Pregnancy Choices Helpline in supporting people to find care.

"We know travel can be a barrier when people are trying to find time sensitive healthcare and we're looking forward to more providers listing their services on SEARCH+.

"The SEARCH+ maps do highlight a centralisation of reproductive and sexual health services in major cities. This is true if you are a young person looking to access a surgical abortion but also true if you are a woman needing a specialised cervical screening procedure like colposcopy or a man seeking a vasectomy.

"For patients who can't find care near home, Family Planning Australia runs a day surgery in Newington and patients may be referred to us with support through the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) to help with travel and accommodation expenses. We are also able to offer telehealth services to many people needing care.

"We're proud to offer these flexible care models but the ideal scenario is supporting people to access the healthcare they need close to where they live."

Patients can search for services at www.searchplus.org.au or to talk with a registered nurse about reproductive or sexual health issues by calling Talkline 1300 658 886 or the Pregnancy Choices Helpline 1800 008 463 Providers can add their services at www.searchplus.org.au under the add/update listing navigation.

Media enquiries:

P: 0402 880 653 E: media@fpnsw.org.au W: https://www.fpnsw.org.au