AQW 16485/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/10/2024
Answered On Date: 24/10/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the action being taken to address waiting times for an endometriosis diagnosis.

Answer:

Endometriosis is a complex condition that affects patients to differing degrees. A diagnosis is determined based on the individual’s presenting symptoms and associated medical and surgical history, as well as the results obtained from a wide range of clinical tests and diagnostic procedures. Endometriosis diagnosis takes place as part of the Gynaecology pathway.

Patients are managed based on clinical urgency and therefore waiting times can vary depending on each patient’s clinical condition.

Following the recent publication of the Getting It Right First Time Report, which provided a review of gynaecology services in Northern Ireland, including those suffering endometriosis, and the 20 recommendations to improve gynaecology services, the Department of Health’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group have established a forum with Trust, GP and PHA representation to oversee ongoing service improvement in this speciality and ensure that this improvement is implemented at a local and regional level.

As part of this work, Task and Finish groups are being established to take forward improvement work, and pathway development for a range of areas, including Endometriosis.