Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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780. To ask the Minister for Health the outcomes or recommendations of the women’s health taskforce for endometriosis patients; the measures in place to deal with long waiting lists and the lack of consultants for these patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25215/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to women’s health and the issue of endometriosis, I am glad to highlight the commitment to promoting women's health which is highlighted within the Programme for Government. This includes a specific commitment to supporting "the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce, including the development of a Women’s Health Action Plan, to tackle a wide range of issues impacting women’s health outcomes in Ireland". The Women’s Health Taskforce was established in September 2019 with the aim of improving women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare. A number of initial priority areas for action have been determined by the Taskforce, with the issue of endometriosis recognised and included as part of a priority workstream on improving gynaecological health for women and girls. These workstreams are currently developing proposals to improve women and girls' health and further updates will be made available on the official Women’s Health Taskforce webpage:

Work related to this area is ongoing within HSE. The HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme has advised that the best way to help the majority of patients with endometriosis is to improve access to gynaecology services. As such, the Programme has developed a plan to increase capacity and reduce waiting times for women awaiting general gynaecology, which includes patients with endometriosis. The plan aims to re-orient general gynaecology services to an ambulatory, or see and treat, model, rather than the traditional outpatient referral model. An ambulatory care model is a more efficient and effective use of resources. It is also better for the patient as it reduces the requirement for multiple outpatient appointments. The roll out of Phase One of the new Model of Care has commenced, with the first three clinics to be established under the governance of the Rotunda Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, and University Hospital Galway, with a more limited clinic in Waterford. Subject to funding availability, it is envisaged that up to 13 ambulatory gynaecology clinics will be established on a phased basis over the coming 3 to 4 years.