Lismore and Kyogle areas now have access to a new practitioner, Dr Kate Bolam, at the Lismore and Kyogle Family Planning Clinics, which provide sexual and reproductive health services to women and youth.
The Clinics specifically encourage youth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people on low incomes.
Dr Bolam comes to the Northern Rivers from the NT where she has worked both as a GP and also for Family Planning NT. She also practiced as a Forensic Clinician at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Darwin, providing acute forensic and medical care to victims of sexual assault.
“I love having a subspecialty in sexual and reproductive health for many reasons”, Dr Bolam said.
“It gives me a unique opportunity to work with all ages of clients in an area that is often quite challenging and frequently changing."
“I enjoy empowering clients to take control of their sexual health and sexual safety. I am particularly interested in the management of the menopause transition, an area that is currently under a lot of scrutiny and is difficult to navigate for many clients and doctors alike.”
“Finally, but not the least, I really enjoy working with youth to improve their health and opportunities,” she added. “I have moved to the Northern Rivers to be closer to family, and it is such a beautiful area...that’s why so many people want to be here...”
The range of services available at the clinics include
- Contraception including contraceptive implants
- Fertility management
- Menopause
- Vulval and vaginal concerns
- Incontinence
- Cervical screening (‘Pap smear’)
- Menstrual cycles/‘period’ concerns/Pelvic pain
- Sexually transmitted infections - screening, treatment and management
- Women with a disability – management of menstrual and reproductive health issues
- Counselling and assessment about sexual health issues
The Lismore and Kyogle Family Planning Service is a service of Northern Rivers Social Development Council and is supported by funding from Northern NSW LHD and NSW Health.
Lismore Family Planning Clinic is at Level 3/29, Molesworth Street, Lismore, NSW 2480. Phone: (02) 6620 7660 Clinic Hours: Monday 9.00am-5.30pm; Thursday 3.00pm-7.00pm; Saturday 9.00am-12.30pm.
Kyogle Family Planning Clinic is at Kyogle Community Health Centre, 199 Summerland Way, Kyogle, NSW 2478. Phone: (02) 6630 0488 Clinic Hours: Every second Monday 9.30am – 2.00pm
