Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I mentioned, by improving access to general gynaecology services, services for the majority of patients with endometriosis can be improved. The HSE's national women and infants health programme has developed a plan to refocus existing general gynaecology services towards an ambulatory model of care. This, it is anticipated, will not only improve capacity and reduce waiting times for such services but also provide a better service for women. The programme will progress this plan as a priority in 2020. In addition, the Department of Health is working with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, to develop the scheduled care access plan 2020, which will include gynaecology services.

I welcome the establishment of the women's health task force, as I mentioned, that is working collaboratively to identify key areas where we can work to improve women's health. Women's voices and experiences will be at the heart of the work of the task force. I encourage all interested stakeholders to engage with the listening exercise, which will commence early in the new year. Information and data gathered through this exercise, combined with other available evidence, will form the basis for future policy and action to improve women's health in Ireland. I will also pass on the invitation to the Minister to meet the group.

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