The Victorian government’s support has enabled Bendigo Community Health Services to add more doctors and sexual health nurses in the six months since the initiative was announced.

Doctor Christine Armstrong said the boost in staffing had increased the team’s ability to provide timely, safe and affordable care and access to information.

“The sexual health focus is mostly on reproductive health issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, menopause, fertility control and also conception and contraception,” she said.

Long-acting, reversible contraception services were also highly sought after.

“Overall we're just empowering women to have choices and make informed decisions around their health care,” Dr Armstrong said.

Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections were also part of the hub’s core activities.

A women’s health clinic has been a feature at BCHS for about 12 years.