Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

687. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the women's health task force; the steps being taken to improve the diagnosis, management and treatment of endometriosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39870/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Women’s Health Taskforce was established in September 2019 with the aim of improving women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare. The Taskforce has met seven times since it was established in September 2019, with an eighth meeting scheduled for 8^thDecember 2020. A number of initial priority areas for action were determined by the Taskforce in 2020, with the issue of endometriosis recognised and included as part of a priority workstream on improving gynaecological health for women and girls. Proposals for action have been developed under three priority areas: Improving Gynaecological Health for Women and Girls (which includes consideration of endometriosis); Improving Supports for Menopause; and Improving Women and Girls’ Physical Activity. A programme of actions under these proposals is currently being finalised. Implementation of actions will be supported by the Budget 2021 allocation of a dedicated €5million ‘Women’s Health Fund’. This fund will also resource additional priority proposals to be chosen for 2021. Regular updates are provided on the official Women’s Health Taskforce webpage:

Work related to improve the diagnosis, management and treatment of endometriosis 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 commenced this year, 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. Additional clinics will be developed in 2021, with investment provided through Budget 2021, and subject to funding availability, it is envisaged that further clinics will be rolled out in the coming years.