A DEDICATED endometriosis clinic will streamline referrals for the debilitating condition and boost links with a specialist centre in the UK, according to an assistant health minister.
Deputy Andy Howell confirmed that three new gynaecological consultants had recently been recruited who would help support the service.
But Deputy Howell said she did not believe the new clinic would require “extra funding” which would instead operate within existing resources.
The clinic has been described as a “vital step forward” by campaigners.
Deputy Howell told the States Assembly this week that the clinic, which will aim to consolidate care for women and girls most severely affected by the condition, would use a “multi-disciplinary” approach, using current pathways.
There would also be a better referral process from GPs and closer links to a specialist endometriosis centre in the UK.
Deputy Howell said: “The referral from your GP will be direct into the clinic where we’ll have experts in that area working.”
The assistant minister, who has responsibility for women’s health, also said that the government would set up an endometriosis group to work with individuals and GPs in a bid to improve education and help early diagnosis.
It follows calls for improved recognition and treatment of the disease made at an awareness event last month.
Kate Fry, the founder of support group Endometriosis Jersey and a long-time campaigner for greater awareness of the condition, said she was “deeply moved” by the announcement, which she described as a “vital step forward”.
Deputy Louise Doublet pressed Deputy Howell on how the service would offer an improved experience for patients without additional investment, with the assistant minister responding that key changes would come from increasing awareness and a more streamlined referrals process.
“It’s just very good to talk about [gynaecological issues], and for women and girls to understand that there is help available,” said Deputy Howell.
When Deputy Lucy Stephenson asked whether the department would commit to collecting more data on the prevalence of the condition and the experience of those suffering from it, Deputy Howell said it would depend on funding.
“It will depend on whether we get the additional funding because we need improved digital services to be able to collect all this data and to work with clinicians,” she said.
