‘Take what you get’: Push for female gynaecologists in regional Queensland

Women in regional Queensland are fighting for a choice to see a female doctor, with many forced to see male gynaecologists for intimate exams due to staffing shortages.

Queensland women want to have the choice of seeing a female gynaecologist for intimate examinations in the public health system but workforce maldistribution and the need for fly-in doctors in some regions means there are often only males available.

Many women are uncomfortable with male doctors performing internal checks which are necessary for detecting cancer or other abnormalities. Regular check ups are important to keep deadly diseases at bay.

Em Mann, who lives in Stanthorpe, has the HPV virus and must have regular examinations.

“We have a fly-in gynaecologist in Stanthorpe. When I asked if I could see a female I was told it was a matter of ‘take what you get’,” she said.

Ms Mann claimed that in the past she had an upsetting encounter with a male gynaecologist.

“I am not the only woman who would feel more comfortable with a woman. Women should have the choice and more should be done to help. If you are a Muslim woman living in any small town and need to use the public system or need to see a free fly-in gynaecologist, then they find they are presented with a male fly-in gynaecologist, does that mean they just miss out on vital gynaecological health care?” she said.

Queensland obstetrician Gino Pecoraro. Pics Tara Croser.

Queensland Health denies that hospitals have a “take what you get” attitude saying everything is done to accommodate requests.

“We understand women may prefer to be seen by a female gynaecologist, which is why we always try and work with them,” a spokesman said.

“However, this may not always be possible. In instances where a female gynaecologist is not available, an appointment can be organised locally or at a nearby facility as soon as possible,” he said.

President of the The National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NASOG) Gino Pecoraro told The Courier-Mail that if a woman has specific preferences about her care then she should look to the private system.

“But aren’t we lucky that in Australia we have doctors available for free — not all countries are that lucky,” Assoc Prof Pecoraro said.

The Australian Medical Association Queensland chief is concerned the workforce shortage is making women wait too long for gynaecological services in the regions.

“Until we find ways to recruit and retain obstetricians and gynaecologists in our regional areas, we will see women having to leave their home towns for treatment for endometriosis and cancer,” president Nick Yim said.

Queensland Health has hired an extra 19 specialist gynaecologists and obstetricians in the past year — eight of those under our successful Workforce Attraction Incentive Scheme.

Originally published as ‘Take what you get’: Push for female gynaecologists in regional Queensland