The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is now part of SEARCH+, a new website that helps people in New South Wales find nearby reproductive and sexual health services.
The website is free to use and shows services like contraception, abortion care, menopause support, and STI checks.
Funded by NSW Health and created by Family Planning Australia, SEARCH+ is the first tool of its kind in the state. You simply enter your postcode and choose the type of care you need to find services near you.
Sally Stevenson, Executive Director of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre said the Centre is proud to be part of this initiative, which aims to improve access to time-sensitive and specialised care for women.
“SEARCH+ is a much-needed resource that helps break down barriers to care, especially for women in regional communities like ours. Access to timely reproductive health services should never depend on your postcode, and this platform brings us one step closer to health equity.”
There are already nearly 600 services listed across NSW.
For people who can’t find a service close to home, SEARCH+ also helps connect them to phone or video appointments (telehealth) or services that accept support through the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS).
IPTAAS is a NSW government program that helps cover the cost of travel and accommodation for people living in rural or regional areas who need to travel long distances for medical care.
If you qualify, this program can make it easier and more affordable to get the healthcare you need.
“We have a range of providers and services on SEARCH+, and we are encouraging more providers to add their details,” Family Planning Australia’s CEO, Sue 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.”
You can visit www.searchplus.org.au to search for services or contact the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre to find out about accessing our services in Warilla and the UOW Innovation Campus in North Wollongong.
