After struggling with symptoms of endometriosis and pelvic pain from a very young age, a 25-year-old Cairns woman says she is no longer scared to see a doctor about her chronic condition. 

Pyper* suffers with excessive pelvic pain, consistent bleeding, and fertility concerns, which she says will be lifelong due to her endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

“I was told by numerous doctors, surgical specialists, and imaging specialists that there was nothing wrong,” Pyper said. 

“I was terrified of going back to another doctor after the number of times I would leave the clinic in tears. 

“After five years and surgical intervention, I was finally diagnosed.” 

When Pyper walked into the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at True Relationships & Reproductive Health, she was hesitant. 

But her apprehension quickly subsided when she met the team. 

“I instantly felt at ease,” she said. 

“The team of amazing nurses and Dr Sam listened to me and fully validated my emotions and symptoms. 

“My challenges feel much less daunting and less debilitating now with the support I have received.” 

Pyper said she had access to specialised care that was truly supportive. 

“I have been able to be involved in creating my own care plan,” she said.  

“I’ve also been able to focus on what matters the most to me and how my body responds to different interventions.  

“Not only has this helped with my symptoms, but it has also improved my overall mental health.”  

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) funds the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at True through the Department of Health and Aged Care. 

The specialist clinic, which addresses chronic endometriosis and pelvic pain, has provided relief and support to hundreds of women and gender-diverse people since it began operating in November 2023. 

Pyper said in addition to the help and support she had received, she had also gained valuable knowledge about the treatments and tests available to assist her throughout her lifelong journey with endometriosis. 

“I am no longer scared to see my doctor; I look forward to going because I know that no matter what, I will come out with more knowledge and support than what I went in with,” she said.  

“I am unbelievably grateful to have access to a clinic like True in a rural city. The care I get is beyond what I was getting in privatised clinics in Melbourne.” 

* Surname has been omitted to protect the client’s identity. 

Their efforts, supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), underscored the vital role of primary healthcare in disaster response.

The floods, described as the worst in decades, brought Ingham to a standstill. With water levels surpassing those of the 1967 flood, the town was cut off, power was lost, and communication networks failed.

For Dr Stewart Jackson of Hinchinbrook Health Care and Dr Brett Scott of Ingham Family Medical Practice, the crisis was a call to action.

Both practices faced significant hurdles, including power outages, loss of medical supplies, and the inability to access their clinics due to floodwaters. Yet, their determination to serve their community never wavered.

Hinchinbrook Health Care: Innovating through adversity

Dr Stewart Jackson and his team at Hinchinbrook Health Care were quick to respond, and despite their clinic being without power for a week, they worked tirelessly to restore services.

“We were focused on getting back to work as soon as we could,” Dr Jackson recalled. “We wanted to be part of the active recovery.”

With a small generator and a fibre-to-the-node internet connection that remained operational, the practice was able to resume consultations within days.

“We managed to get electricians to isolate some computers and started seeing patients,” Dr Jackson explained.

The team treated flood-related injuries, managed chronic conditions, and even organised private retrievals for patients needing urgent cancer treatment and dialysis.

“We did our own type of evacuations when it was difficult to rely on other providers,” he said.

Telehealth played a crucial role, enabling doctors from Cairns, Townsville, and even Stanford to assist remotely.

“We were doing telehealth from home before we reopened the practice,” Dr Jackson noted. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive. “People appreciated that we were open. They knew where to come.”

NQPHN’s support was instrumental, particularly in securing a generator for the practice.

“We were liaising with the PHN, and they helped us get a generator and navigate telehealth regulations,” Dr Jackson said.

Ingham Family Medical Practice: A lifeline in the storm

Dr Brett Scott and his team at Ingham Family Medical Practice faced similar challenges.

The clinic, though flood-free, was without power for days, rendering their computer systems and vaccine stocks unusable.

“The loss of power crippled modern healthcare,” Dr Scott said. “We were almost unable to do anything except basic wound care.”

Despite the setbacks, the practice remained open, operating in sweltering conditions without air conditioning.

“It was uncomfortable, but we had to be there for the community,” Dr Scott said.

The team dealt with a surge in patients needing repeat prescriptions, lost referrals, and mental health support.

“Many people had lost everything – cars, documents, their homes. It was heartbreaking.”

One of the most striking challenges was the loss of vaccines due to the power outage.

“We have a reserve system for the storm season, which allows us to run for up to two days on batteries,” Dr Scott explained. “But after that, we looked at generator options.”

However, even accessing the clinic to use a generator to save the vaccines was no easy task.

“We had to use a boat to access the medical centre as it was pretty dangerous,” he said. “The water was chest-deep, and we’ve got crocodiles in the area. People forget that, but they’re there. It makes you think twice.”

The practice’s resilience was bolstered by the support of local cane farmers, who provided water for cleaning, and the broader medical community.

“The collegiality was amazing,” Dr Scott said. “GPs from Tully and Townsville reached out, and NQPHN was there to listen and help.”

Telehealth proved invaluable during the recovery phase, allowing doctors to consult with patients while dealing with their own flood-related challenges.

“It helped us get back on our feet,” Dr Scott said.

NQPHN: A vital support network

Both practices highlighted the crucial role NQPHN played in their response efforts.

From advocating for generators to facilitating telehealth services and providing priority access to vital vaccines, NQPHN provided the support needed to keep practices operational.

“The PHN was there to help us navigate the challenges,” Dr Jackson said.

Dr Scott echoed this sentiment, praising NQPHN’s responsiveness and empathy. “It was nice to know people cared,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of community resilience.

“The people of Ingham came together in an incredible way. That’s what got us through.”

A community grateful for their GPs

The efforts of Hinchinbrook Health Care and Ingham Family Medical Practice did not go unnoticed. Patients expressed their gratitude for the unwavering care provided during the crisis.

“People were shocked to see our doors open,” Dr Jackson said. “It gave them hope.”

Dr Scott shared similar feedback. “The community knew we were there for them, no matter what.”

As Ingham continues to recover, the story of its general practices serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and dedication of healthcare providers in the face of adversity.

Supported by NQPHN, these practices not only saved lives but also strengthened the bonds of a community determined to rebuild and thrive.

In the words of Dr Jackson, “We’re GPs. This is what we do. We help our community, no matter the circumstances.” And in Ingham, that commitment made all the difference.