AQW 47417/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 29/05/2026
Answered On Date: 19/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to prevent the misdiagnosis of coeliac disease with irritable bowel syndrome.

Answer:

Patients will generally present in the first instance to their GP practice, where primary care professionals will assess symptoms and consider coeliac disease as part of differential diagnosis.

Established primary care pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.

Healthcare professionals across primary and secondary care within HSC continue to engage with relevant charitable organisations and voluntary groups to support patient awareness, education, and condition management.

Ongoing education and training ensure that both primary and secondary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.