​At The Physiotherapy Clinic (TPC), we believe in taking action where we can. We know there is a significant gap in access to healthcare for women living in regional, rural and remote communities, particularly when it comes to pelvic health physiotherapy. We also know that recognising a problem is one thing, but doing something about it is another.

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Shortly after moving back to Wagga Wagga, having spent 15 years living in Sydney, TPC Director Jo Murdoch-Ward became acutely aware of just how significant this gap was. At the time, less than four hours per week of public funding was allocated to women's health outpatient physiotherapy services in the region.

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With approximately 300 babies born at Wagga Base Hospital each year, alongside hundreds of women accessing gynaecological services, there was a clear need for greater access to conservative, evidence-based treatment options. Women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or faecal incontinence, persistent pelvic pain and other pelvic health concerns had very limited access to publicly funded physiotherapy services.

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We know the important role pelvic health physiotherapists play in supporting women's health and quality of life. We also know that access to this care should not depend on where you live or your ability to pay for private treatment.

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There is plenty of discussion about the inequalities between metropolitan and regional healthcare, but too often, meaningful change is slow. Rather than simply advocating for additional funding, Jo decided to take action.

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In early 2024, TPC partnered with the Wagga Women's Health Centre to establish a free public pelvic health physiotherapy service, helping to provide women in the region with access to care they may otherwise go without.

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Although TPC is a small business, this initiative has been made possible through the vision and determination of Jo, alongside an incredibly generous team who share a commitment to improving access to women's healthcare.

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Jo volunteers her time to run the clinic, while TPC contributes staff time, clinical resources, equipment and products. Our team members travel from Sydney to Wagga approximately every eight weeks to provide additional clinic days, with a local physiotherapist also generously donating her time. Together, we aim to provide approximately seven hours of pelvic health physiotherapy each month.

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We are incredibly grateful to the Wagga Women's Health Centre for providing clinical space and administrative support, helping us keep the service running and minimise operating costs.

One of our biggest ongoing challenges, however, is funding. Getting our Sydney team to Wagga involves significant travel expenses, and the clinical products and equipment we provide to patients, including pessaries and TENS machines, also need to be funded.

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We have been fortunate to receive initial funding support through the Wagga Women's Health Centre, and earlier this year, Jo organised a second-hand clothing drive and fashion show, raising more than $20,000 to help sustain the service for another year.

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In order to continue providing this service and supporting the growing demand, we need ongoing support from our wonderful TPC community.

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To our patients, supporters and everyone who has contributed along the way, thank you. Your generosity is helping women in regional communities access the healthcare they deserve. You are making a tangible difference to the lives of women who might otherwise have gone without this care.

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We are proud of what has been achieved so far, but we know there is still work to do.

If you would like to help us continue bridging the gap in regional women's healthcare, we would be so grateful for your support. Every contribution helps us keep this service accessible to the women who need it.