Driven by a desire to help women, Klare Hughes is determined to make a meaningful difference to ensure women feel heard, supported and empowered with more choice for their care.
With 22 years’ experience as a midwife and nurse, she has always been deeply committed to women’s health and sexual wellbeing.
Her passion for supporting women, combined with the flexibility to shape her own clinical schedule, led her to join Queensland Health’s Mobile Women’s Health Service four years ago.
The service delivers cervical screening and health checks to women living in the state’s rural and remote communities across Queensland.
Since its launch in 1991, the service has expanded to reach 151 communities across the state, with more than 6,000 appointments in the 2023-24 year.
The service was established to encourage women in rural and remote communities to be proactive about their health and wellbeing, as well as provide increased access to female cervical screening providers.
“What attracted me to the Mobile Women’s Health Service is that our role focuses on health promotion and illness prevention,” Klare said.
"At times, women feel rushed and unheard during a 10-minute time slot at a busy medical centre, especially when it comes to menopause and sexual health.
“For many women, attending for a cervical screening test can also cause anxiety and discomfort.
My role allows me to take the time to listen and understand how these women are feeling, educate them on the options available for their health and ensure they are being seen in a timely manner.
“Never underestimate how simple lifestyle changes can contribute to long-term health benefits.”
Twelve specially trained registered nurses provide the free and confidential service for women in the hospital and health services of Cairns and Hinterland, Central Queensland, Central West, Darling Downs, Mackay, North West, South West, Torres and Cape, Townsville and Wide Bay.
The Mobile Women’s Health Service addresses a range of topics related specifically to women’s health and wellbeing, including cervical screening, STIs, contraception, nutrition, menopause and menopausal hormone therapy information, continence, bone health, with clients ranging across all age groups.
Between 2016 and 2020, the service collected more than 21,000 Cervical Screening Tests state-wide and nearly 100,000 tests since 2003.
After four years of being with Queensland Health’s Mobile Women’s Health Service and completing her nurse practitioner course, Klare is making plans to expand her services.
“I currently focus on cervical screenings and educate women on menopause and contraception options, but I really want to expand what I can offer them,” she said.
“Once I’m recognised as a nurse practitioner, I’ll be able to offer services like hormone replacement therapy, delve deeper into menopause care and prescribe contraceptive options such as the Mirena.
“Even though menopause doesn’t change, everyone experiences it differently. There are many effective ways to manage menopause and it’s about finding the right way to suit each individual.
"Normalising these conversations is crucial. Menopause has long been a taboo subject, and that's something I’m working to change.”
Klare also has plans to collaborate with Endometriosis Australia, aiming to improve pain management clinics and reduce the often-lengthy delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Endometriosis is the third leading cause of non-fatal disease burden among females, affecting one in nine women and takes six to eight years to be diagnosed in Australia.
Queensland has one of the highest rates of endometriosis with about one in six women being diagnosed by the time they are in their early 40s.
Klare has received a scholarship from the Australian College of Nursing to undergo a 10-week endometriosis course.
"Endometriosis deserves the same attention as any other health issue. With an average diagnosis time of six to eight years, that’s simply unacceptable to me,” she said.
"My goal is to provide women with convenient and comfortable care, helping them avoid long waitlists.”