The Australian state government of New South Wales (NSW) has unveiled a new virtual menopause health hub, aiming to offer improved support for women suffering from intricate or severe menopause symptoms.

The South Western Sydney Local Health District Specialist Menopause Service, one of four such dedicated health hubs in the state, is a component of NSW Health's menopause network.

With this hub in place, women in South Western Sydney can access comprehensive care. The facility also acts as a referral centre for those in Western NSW, Nepean Blue Mountains and Murrumbidgee Local Health Districts.

Patients have the flexibility to attend appointments via telehealth consultations utilising various devices, with the option of face-to-face consultations when necessary.

Specialists, general and nurse practitioners may direct eligible women for advanced care and have the option to reach out to the service directly via email.

The NSW government has committed A$34.3m ($22.43m) towards Women's Health Centres, enhancing the provision of care and assistance at 20 locations throughout the state.

Additionally, A$18.6m has been allocated to fund 29 additional McGrath nurses who offer free care to individuals with breast cancer in regional, metropolitan, and remote communities.

NSW acting premier Ryan Park said: “Up to one in four women experience severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.

“I am so pleased the South Western Sydney Local Health District Specialist Menopause Service - the fourth menopause-specific health hub in the state – is now up and running. This important service is improving access to specialist menopause services for women in NSW.”

Earlier in the year, the government revealed an expansion of the Central Coast Local Health District's maternity care at Gosford Hospital, following the cessation of private maternity services by Gosford Private Hospital operator Healthe Care.