A boost to clinics for vulnerable women will help more access health care and reduce strain on public hospitals, the NSW government says.
More than $34 million announced in the state budget has now been allocated to women's health centres around the state, with regional areas to benefit from almost $9 million of the spending.
Some $10 million is being spent in western Sydney, with a total of 19 centres funded across metropolitan and regional NSW.
Women's health centres predominantly care for women from disadvantaged backgrounds and those experiencing domestic violence.
They make up the majority of the facilities' 50,000 clients every year, the government said.
The funding boost is expected to provide more staff, reduce waitlists for counselling appointments and enable the clinics to offer health care services to more women.
Some of the funds will also go to adapting the services in response to emerging demographic trends and population growth, with $369,500 allocated to peak body Women's Health NSW to increase capacity.
“Women who come to our services need specialised care," Women's Health NSW chief executive Denele Crozier said.
"The work we do and will continue to do will save lives."
Premier Chris Minns said the funding would boost health care services at the front line, helping women across NSW and easing pressure on the state's hospital system.
"It saves us so much money in the general health network because early intervention, early screening or counselling services can mean that (people are) not in a desperate situation where they'll have to turn up to an emergency department in the middle of the night on the weekend," he said on Thursday.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the funding would make it easier for women to access care without having to travel too far.
"These centres are vital in providing a safe place for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks and are critical in removing barriers to health care by providing women the care they need in their own communities," she said.
Health Minister Ryan Park said the "never seen before" funding would make an enormous difference in supporting communities.
"This funding will truly make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable women presenting with some very, very complex health challenges," he said.
Regional areas receiving a boost to funding for their women's health centres include Bathurst in the state's central west, Coffs Harbour and Lismore in the north, and Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga in the south.
