Fergus O'Dowd
Question:333. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to concerns and proposals raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18620/24]
View answerThursday, 25 April 2024
Questions (333)
Written answers
The HSE's National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) is finalising the National Framework for Endometriosis in collaboration with the ICGP.
This Framework sets out a defined clinical care pathway for women with endometriosis with the care pathway spanning primary care to local hospital care to specialist complex care through multidisciplinary teams.
This Model of Care will ensure that women receive timely, and effective treatment through 2 supra-regional specialist centres in Tallaght and Cork supported by 5 regional endometriosis hubs in The Rotunda, Coombe, NMH, Limerick and Galway. All hubs and supra-regional sites are currently operational and taking referrals.
GP referrals for the endometriosis care pathway will be through general gynaecology services. Patients can then be referred for care to the hubs/supra-regional sites if clinically required.
The framework is expected to be published in the coming weeks following final consultations with stakeholders.
An Endometriosis Quick Reference Guide is currently in development, by the ICGP. This QRG will be disseminated amongst GPs to promote awareness of endometriosis and the increase the ability of GPs to recognise endometriosis.
The HSE National Clinical Guideline for Management of Endometriosis is also in final stages of development.
The availability of this evidence-based guidance will support the management of endometriosis in both the primary and acute sectors.