HSE Chief Bernard Gloster Announces New Endometriosis Plan to Enhance Surgical Care Access
A new national endometriosis framework has been established to improve access to surgical care for women facing this challenging condition. Endometriosis occurs when tissue that resembles the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body. It predominantly impacts women of reproductive age and is estimated to affect one in seven women, although precise statistics remain elusive.
Key Features of the National Endometriosis Framework
The framework introduces a “presumed diagnosis” principle. This means that doctors will treat patients presenting symptoms of endometriosis as if they indeed have the illness. Additionally, a financial support system is being established to assist patients seeking treatment abroad.
Improved Surgical Access
Health Service Executive (HSE) CEO Bernard Gloster emphasized the commitment to enhance surgical access for affected women nationwide. He stated that over the next few months, the HSE will facilitate more than 100 additional surgeries to address waiting times.
- A recruitment campaign for an additional colorectal surgeon is underway to address more complex surgical cases.
- An Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme will operate alongside local services.
Regional Specialist Centers
Moderate cases of endometriosis will be treated at five regional specialist centers. Currently, three centers exist:
- Rotunda Hospital, Dublin
- Coombe Hospital, Dublin
- University Hospital Limerick
Two more centers are under development at:
- University Hospital Galway
- National Maternity Hospital, Dublin
Complex cases will be directed to two supra-regional centers located at:
- Tallaght University Hospital
- Cork University Maternity Hospital
Awareness and Support Initiatives
An Endometriosis Advisory Group, including patient advocates and members of the Women’s Health Taskforce, has been formed to guide these efforts. The HSE aims to communicate effectively with GPs and clinicians to enhance awareness of endometriosis in clinical settings.
The framework not only seeks to promote better clinical awareness but also plans to launch a national campaign focusing on menstrual health and endometriosis. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill acknowledged the historical neglect of endometriosis but highlighted that progress is being made in both awareness and service enhancement.
Future Considerations
Dr. Cliona Murphy, clinical director of the National Women and Infants Health Programme, underscored that this framework represents years of collaboration among dedicated clinicians and advocates. Despite these advancements, some politicians, including Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane, have expressed concerns about the adequacy of resources allocated. He stated that the plan must ensure comprehensive care, noting that only 100 new surgeries are slated in addition to existing schedules, calling for a more ambitious approach.
