AQW 50968/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 04/09/2026
Answered On Date: 27/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the endometriosis diagnostic and assessment services available at (i) Causeway Hospital; (ii) Antrim Area Hospital; and (iii) other Northern Health and Social Care Trust facilities.

Answer:

The Northern HSC Trust does not currently provide a dedicated specialist endometriosis service. Women with suspected endometriosis are referred and assessed through existing general gynaecology pathways.

Assessment and diagnostic services are available at both Causeway Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital. As a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis can only be confirmed following a laparoscopic procedure, diagnostic laparoscopy is available at both sites. In addition, assessment and diagnostic laparoscopic procedures may be available at Whiteabbey Hospital and Mid Ulster Hospital, subject to individual clinical risk assessment and service availability.

The HSC Trust is currently working with commissioners to develop and resource a dedicated endometriosis pathway. The aim is to improve and expedite access to assessment, diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing symptoms of, or living with, endometriosis.