A re-elected majority Liberal Government will deliver more help to Tasmanian women suffering with endometriosis including a new $4.7 million cutting edge surgical robot.

As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we are taking action right now on the issues affecting Tasmanians, including serious and chronic health conditions like endometriosis.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said endometriosis was an insidious disease that many women suffered with either undiagnosed or diagnosed after lengthy and painful delays, in silence or alone - and that needed to change.

“Endometriosis affects one in seven women, and the impact can be devastating, from crippling pain right through to infertility,” Premier Rockliff said.

“While medicine is making some gains, it’s still taking an average of 6.5 years to reach a diagnosis, and the treatment also still a major challenge too.

“We are going to boost the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of this disease across our public health system with a $1.2 million investment in targeted measures, coupled with a new $4.7 million surgical robot.

“Our new investment will go towards a targeted campaign to increase awareness and education for clinicians and the community, to ensure greater understanding about the impact that this chronic condition has on many Tasmanian women.

“It will increase the number of outpatient clinic appointments at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital and the North West Regional Hospital, so more women can speak to specialists about diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management options.

“And, it will also increase the access to diagnostic procedures, including ultrasounds.

“Importantly, we will also purchase the first surgical robot for a Tasmanian public hospital, which will be located at the Launceston General Hospital.

“This significant $4.7 million investment will give Tasmanian women access to cutting edge technology for gynaecology surgery, including endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain conditions, as well as urology and other general surgeries in accordance with clinical planning.

“We know that this advanced technology is already being used interstate, and is available within the private system but now, under the Liberals, Tasmanian patients within the public system will have access to the same specialised treatment.

“The use of surgical robots is drastically improving clinical outcomes for patients by reducing surgical complications, pain, blood loss and infections. They are also enabling a shorter recovery time and shorter hospital stays.

“These additional services will go a long way in supporting Tasmanian women who are suffering from endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, and will ensure they receive better diagnosis and management of the debilitating disease, closer to home.”

Funding of $774,000 from 2025-26 will also provide for two full-time equivalent staff to operate the robot.

Dr Stephen Bradford FRANZCOG applauded the significant announcement of support for pelvic pain and investment in technology that will improve gynaecology surgery in this State.

“Extra support for the public health system to better support this important and hidden health problem is very welcome,” Dr Bradford said.

As the most experienced robotic surgeon in Tasmania, Dr Bradford has performed more than 180 surgeries.

“There is no doubt that this technology is the way of the future,” Dr Bradford said.

“Not only will having this technology improve outcomes for Tasmanian patients in many specialties. Obviously, the Government has understood that enabling the public system to have such technology will make it easier to attract and retain the best trainees and specialists.”

Only a re-elected majority Liberal Government will ensure that Tasmanian women suffering from endometriosis and pelvic pain can access timely, affordable care within the Tasmanian public health system.

Endometriosis is reported to cost the Australian society $9.7 billion annually, with two-thirds of these costs attributed to a loss in productivity, with the remainder, approximately $2.5 billion being direct healthcare costs.