AN endometriosis advocate has praised the government’s plan to establish a dedicated clinic in Jersey for those suffering from the debilitating reproductive condition.
Kate Fry, founder of campaign group Endometriosis Jersey, described the announcement as “a vital step forward” and said she was “deeply moved” by the push to better support people with the disease.
The plans to set up a multi-disciplinary clinic linked to a specialist endometriosis centre in the UK were revealed by Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell this week following queries from this newspaper.
Ms Fry said: “This acknowledgement of the pain and struggles faced by so many women feels long overdue, but it gives me hope. I’ve always dreamed of a future where endometriosis is no longer misunderstood or neglected, but I must admit that, with the delays to the Women’s Health Strategy, that dream had started to feel out of reach.
“[But] a clear and compassionate healthcare pathway is finally being built, and I am incredibly excited for the future this signals.”
The announcement follows calls for improved recognition and treatment of the disease at an awareness event hosted by Ms Fry last month, which included a screening of a documentary film about the condition and a panel discussion with experts, advocates, and politicians.
Attendees argued that reproductive care remains fragmented and called on the Government to reinstate the women’s health strategy to create a unified plan for delivering coordinated, multidisciplinary services.
Deputy Howell, who has responsibility for women’s health matters, did not respond to queries from the JEP about whether the government would consider reinstating the standalone strategy after it was scrapped last year.
She did, however, confirm that a plan is being developed to “improve access to gynaecological services” while promoting “education and knowledge about gynaecological conditions and where and how to seek help”.
Deputy Howell explained that women can already be referred to a gynaecological clinic for further advice and treatment, including pain relief, and that the new endometriosis clinic would focus on those “most severely” affected by the condition.
She added that the government was committed to providing better support, adding: “We don’t want anyone to suffer in silence.”
