AQW 7622/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 27/02/2024
Answered On Date: 11/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what assistance his Department provides to groups supporting those suffering from endometriosis.

Answer:

Covid, and general overarching pressures within the Gynaecology Service in Northern Ireland have delayed the development of Endometriosis Services.

As you may be aware, my Department recently launched the Women’s Health Strategy for Northern Ireland and we have also published the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Report for Gynaecology – this signals our commitment to working towards improving services for women which includes those suffering from endometriosis.

The GIRFT report has identified 20 general recommendations to improve services through coordinated regional action, as well as a list of specific recommendations for each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust to take forward. These recommendations have been accepted in principle with a view to implementing the required improvements as soon as it is feasible; however, it is acknowledged that some recommendations may require additional funding and lead-in time to deliver fully.