A new scholarship initiative is aiming to improve endometriosis care across South Australia, with fully funded training opportunities opening for local nurses to help patients receive earlier recognition of symptoms and better support.
With endometriosis affecting at least one in seven girls, women and people assigned female at birth in Australia, improving awareness and access to knowledgeable healthcare professionals remains an important priority.
Now, 12 South Australian nursing scholarships, valued at $2,580 each, are available through the Australian College of Nursing in partnership with Endometriosis Australia.
The scholarships form part of a national program offering 44 places, giving healthcare professionals the opportunity to undertake specialist training in endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
Successful applicants will complete a 10-week program covering how to recognise symptoms, understand treatment and management options, and provide informed, compassionate care to people living with the condition.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The chronic condition can cause severe pelvic and abdominal pain, heavy periods, bowel and bladder symptoms, and fertility difficulties, significantly affecting everyday life.
The training initiative is designed to help healthcare professionals recognise symptoms earlier and better support patients as they navigate diagnosis and treatment.
Acting Minister for Health and Wellbeing Joe Szakacs said the scholarships would help strengthen patient care across the state.
“These fully funded training places will allow eligible nurses and midwives to boost their knowledge in how to best provide care for patients experiencing symptoms of endometriosis and pelvic pain, enabling them to share what they learn with their peers and provide strengthened care across the state.”
The initiative follows recommendations from South Australia’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Endometriosis, established in March 2024.
Following a year of submissions, the committee delivered 20 recommendations, including calls for greater professional development opportunities for healthcare workers involved in diagnosing and managing the condition.
Committee chair Catherine Hutchesson said the scholarships were an important step towards putting those recommendations into practice.
“This will help us work towards a health system where symptoms are recognised earlier and people living with endometriosis receive the informed, compassionate care and support they deserve.”
The program also aims to have 100 nurses and midwives trained by 2027, with scholarship recipients encouraged to share their new knowledge through workplace training sessions for colleagues.
Applications are open to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents who meet the Australian College of Nursing’s registration and study requirements, with preference given to applicants from several priority groups, including rural and remote communities.
Applications close on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, with successful applicants expected to be notified by the end of November.
For eligibility details and applications, visit the Australian College of Nursing Foundation website.
Related
Previous articleTwo tonnes of Murray Cod up to a metre long are going into Barmera’s Lake BonneyNext articleNew bike paths and crossings across SA as 16 projects share $5m State Bicycle Fund
