Insights & Tips From A Patient Advocacy Organization Co-Founder: Deirdre Pinto

Why aren't recurrent and chronic UTI taken more seriously, and what can we do about it?

In this interview with Deirdre Pinto, co-founder of Chronic UTI Australia, we discuss the impact that patient advocacy organizations can have, access to UTI healthcare, and why chronic UTI should be taken more seriously.

Watch the full interview to learn more about the following:

👉 How to launch a patient advocacy organization.
👉 Patient resources and support offered by Chronic UTI Australia.
👉 Access to UTI testing and treatment in Australia and globally.
👉 How to find a clinician to provide appropriate care for chronic UTI.
👉 Patient experiences of chronic UTI - you are not alone!
👉 Learnings from running a patient research and advocacy organization.


Visit the Chronic UTI Australia website: http://www.chronicutiaustralia.org.au/

Get involved in Chronic UTI Australia's 'Take Action' campaign: https://www.chronicutiaustralia.org.a...

More about the campaign on socials:   / chronicutiaustralia  



*About Deirdre Pinto*

Deirdre Pinto has been involved with Chronic UTI Australia since its incorporation in 2018. Now retired, Deirdre had a 32-year career as a policy analyst and program manager in health and community services areas of the Victorian State Government. In addition to her voluntary work with Chronic UTI Australia, Deirdre has been involved in advocacy for a rare neurological disease, has served as Secretary to the board of a support and advocacy group for women living with HIV/AIDS, and is actively involved with an animal rescue group and an association for families of children impacted by hemispherectomy brain surgery. Deirdre’s experiences have led to her strong interest in the way people unite around marginalised or stigmatised health conditions – to support each other, share their experiences and knowledge, and advocate for changes that will improve the lives of others.


*About Chronic UTI Australia*

Chronic UTI Australia came about after a small group of Australian women met online through their own experiences with chronic urinary tract infections (UTI). It began in 2017 as an information website. By 2018 it was evident that official advocacy was necessary, and an incorporated association was formed, followed by endorsement as a registered health promotions charity by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) in 2019. Chronic UTI Australia is the nation's first and only organisation devoted to urinary tract infection. Our mission is to put UTI on Australia’s public health agenda by advocating for awareness, recognition, education, research, and improved testing and treatment for all forms of UTI.



*About Live UTI Free*

Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We provide research support, recruitment for research, and free resources for patient and clinician education on topics within women's pelvic health, with a focus on UTI. We do our best to provide patients with information about clinicians who specialize in recurrent and chronic UTI, in different regions. Patients, clinicians and researchers are welcome to reach out: https://liveutifree.com/contact

Post-production: Melissa Wairimu   / kreativlee_  


*Disclaimer*

The opinions presented in this video do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Live UTI Free team. Live UTI Free does not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostic methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.