What is the Welsh Government doing to reduce waiting times for people with endometriosis?
Health Boards have a responsibility to deliver high-quality gynaecology services. It is vital that they provide a robust and effective pathway, which includes early diagnosis, to manage endometriosis in accordance with NICE guidance.
I have made a strong commitment to ensuring there are improvements to women’s health services in Wales, and a commitment that women’s voices will be heard.
Official statistics for diagnostic waiting times for endometriosis are not available, however we are aware of a recent report by Endometriosis UK that estimates the length of time taken to reach a diagnosis of endometriosis across the UK. The survey informing the report was based on a self-selecting sample and may not be representative of the wider population. Of the 4,731 women who responded, 207 were from Wales. Nevertheless, the key messages are important and we know improvements are needed. Progress is being made.
A dedicated website has been developed for women with endometriosis and endometriosis nurses to use. Endometriosis Cymru includes “living with” stories and a symptom tracker which has the potential to become a diagnosis tool for individuals and clinicians to speed up intervention for early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
Awareness of menstrual health, including endometriosis, is being raised through education at schools. Growing up has a critical impact on learners’ health and well-being, and within the new Curriculum for Wales framework, teachers will be able to focus on a wide range of health and well-being topics. Learning about menstrual well-being and conditions which can affect the reproductive system is mandatory, and this includes learning about where to get further information and support.
It is important that learning about menstrual well-being and related conditions is not simply a ‘one-off lesson’, which is why the Relationships and Sexuality Education Code sets out that it should be taught over time as children grow.
Funding for a specialist endometriosis nurse has been given to each health board across Wales. These nurses are spending time with individuals in clinics and liaising with their multidisciplinary teams to improve the endometriosis service in their health board. Feedback suggests they feel supported, listened to, and have a better understanding of their condition.
I recently announced the appointment of Dr Helen Munro as the first ever clinical lead for Women’s Health who will lead the National Clinical Strategic Network for women’s health in developing a 10-year women’s health plan. This will outline how the NHS in Wales will meet the expectations of the Quality Statement for Women and Girls’ Health.
My officials are working with the endometriosis nurses to identify areas for improvement. This will be shared with the Women’s Health Network as it develops the plan.