AQW 36756/22-27


Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast


Tabled Date: 03/12/2025
Answered On Date: 18/12/2025
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the work of the Endometriosis Clinical Pathway Group, established as part of the Getting It Right First Time regional group.


Answer:
There is currently significant work underway across the health and care system to reduce waiting times and develop pathways for gynaecology-specific conditions, such as endometriosis, within each Trust across Northern Ireland.
My Department has established a Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum, which includes representation from Trusts, the Public Health Agency, and General Practitioners. This forum is responsible for overseeing service improvements and the development of gynaecology pathways at primary, intermediate, secondary, and tertiary care levels. It also monitors the implementation of the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Gynaecology Report.
An Endometriosis Clinical Pathway Task and Finish Group has been formed to design a pathway for patients with minor, intermediate, or severe diagnoses. This pathway will ensure services meet the needs of women at different stages of the condition and will be standardised across Northern Ireland to minimise duplication of services.
In February 2025, Trusts established a Gynaecology Provider Collaborative to support this work. Working with the Provider Collaborative, my Department aims to build stakeholder confidence and momentum by maximising capacity and addressing the longest gynaecology waiting lists, while simultaneously developing a sustainable, evidence-based service model at both Trust and regional levels.
The Elective Care Framework has provided additional recurrent funding to address gaps in gynaecology services. My officials and Trusts continue to explore options to strengthen pathways and improve care for women with gynaecological conditions. Some recommendations will require investment, while others can be achieved through modernisation and reform.
I have committed funding to develop endometriosis services across the region. My officials are working with Trusts and the Provider Collaborative to develop business cases for two regional centres in Northern Ireland, alongside enhanced local provision within each of the five Trusts. This approach ensures patients at all levels of severity are managed appropriately. The new pathway will also incorporate recently introduced NICE-approved drugs.
My officials will continue to explore options to strengthen pathways and improve care for women affected by endometriosis and other gynaecological conditions.