NEPHU offered a fully-funded Scholarship Program to address sexual and reproductive health service access issues in the Northeast metropolitan area.
Evidence-based data, stakeholder consultation, and sector knowledge indicated that there are a limited number of primary care providers offering best-practice sexual and reproductive health services and are struggling to meet the high demands of this growing population. This Program was offered to healthcare professionals (general practitioners, nurses and/or midwives) who work in the local government areas (LGAs) of Hume, Whittlesea, and the Yarra Ranges.
This Scholarship Program will provide healthcare professionals the opportunity to participate in training facilitated by Sexual Health Victoria that aims to build capacity on how to best consult and deliver services to address the sexual and reproductive needs of community members. By increasing access to specialised education and training, it will empower primary care providers to offer best-practice care, ultimately improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes for the community, particularly in the targeted LGAs.
Healthcare professionals were able to apply via an online application form and a total of nine scholarships were awarded that included five GPs, two nurses, and two midwives. The successful applicants are a representation of the three targeted LGAs and work with a range of diverse population groups. Other determining factors included geographical service gaps and local knowledge.
|
LGA |
Service Provider |
| Yarra Ranges Shire | Angliss Hospital |
| Belgrave Medical Clinic | |
| Eastern Health* | |
| Get Well Clinic | |
| Yarra Junction Medical Centre | |
| City of Whittlesea | Northern Health* |
| City of Hume | Wells Medical Clinic |
*1 or more successful applicant from this service.
Congratulations to all!
The Scholarship will cover the following training opportunities offered by Sexual Health Victoria:
All successful applicants are scheduled to complete their training by February 2025.
To maintain connections with NEPHU and enhance newly acquired sexual and reproductive health skills, the successful cohort of applicants will have access to a range of sexual and reproductive health resources and ongoing connection through existing communities of practice and networks.
This Scholarship Program would not have been possible without the dedicated support from our partners: Sexual Health Victoria (SHV), The Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH), North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), and Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN).
If you would like to find out more about the Scholarship Program, contact us through the Contact page here.
