AQO 2070/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 06/05/2021
Answered On Date: 18/05/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on his Department’s work to improve outcomes for people with endometriosis.

Answer:

The waiting times for diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis are unacceptable.

My Department endorsed the NICE guideline on the treatment and diagnosis of endometriosis in October 2017.

The Public Health Agency is leading on the development of a designated NI digital platform for pain management aimed at people living with chronic pain, including those with endometriosis.

Furthermore, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is already an accredited British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy Endometriosis Centre and the Western Trust is working towards accreditation. Both Trusts have also appointed endometriosis specialist nurses.

Importantly, the Belfast Trust also intends to submit a full business case this year for a Regional Endometriosis Centre. My Department will then consider it through normal processes. Approval will of course be contingent on available funding being made available, but I would share the view of most within this house that it should be taken forward with high priority.