Feeling misdiagnosed or dismissed, a record number of females have contributed to a $1 billion strategy set to improve their Queensland health care experience.
Almost 12,000 females were consulted for the Queensland government's landmark Women and Girls' Health Strategy 2032 unveiled on Monday.
In what was the biggest response to a Queensland government survey, women and girls offered suggestions and shared their healthcare experiences.
It has led to a record investment of $1 billion over five years that is set to deliver 34 new initiatives.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the "biggest shock" of the survey was how many women and girls who felt dismissed or misdiagnosed.
"Essentially, women were not being believed when they came forward to seek help (from health professionals)," she said on Monday.
Ms Fentiman said it was time to turn the health system around so that women and girls were placed "front and centre".
"We want every woman and girl in Queensland to be living healthier, happier lives and I have no doubt that's what this strategy will do," she said.
"Because we have listened to Queensland women and girls, we believed them, and now we're acting to deliver more health care for women and girls closer to home."
Endometriosis and pelvic pain, maternity care for mums and bubs and sexual and reproductive health all rated highly in the survey responses.
However mental health and wellbeing topped the list, with 70 per cent of female responders naming it in their top three issues.
As a result, the government will invest $26.95 million to provide additional social workers for mental health support and counselling as part of their strategy.
"Mental health issues continue to be a real problem in our community, particularly for young people coming out of COVID," Ms Fentiman said.
"To see that mental health was listed in almost everyone's survey as a top three issue again just demonstrated how important it is that we continue our huge investments in mental health."
More than $45 million will go toward four new nurse-led clinics that will offer females more choice about their healthcare and easier access.
Key investments will also be made for women and girls in regional, rural, and remote areas, including $10.2 million for a free, walk-in women’s health hub in the far north.
Premier Steven Miles said he was proud of a strategy aimed at bettering the lives of Queensland's 2.6 million women and girls.
"I want to thank the 12,000 women and girls who shared their stories - the largest number of people to ever have completed a Queensland government survey in history," he said.
“You have helped us deliver targeted healthcare supports for women and girls that will drive real change in our communities.
"Access to safe, quality care is not a nice to have, it’s a right, and we’re making sure of it."
Gita Mishra, Professor of Life Course Epidemiology at the University of Queensland, helped the government develop and support the strategy survey via UQ's research centre.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
