Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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1794. To ask the Minister for Health the current stage of development and implementation of the framework for endometriosis. [12079/25]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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1799. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the Endometriosis National Framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12084/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1794 and 1799 together.

The National Framework for Endometriosis is being developed by the HSE’s National Women & Infant’s Health Programme (NWIHP) in conjunction with endometriosis specialists and gynaecologists. The framework identifies how care for women with endometriosis will be delivered from primary care to local hospital care to specialist complex care by multidisciplinary teams.

The Model of Care will ensure that women receive timely, and effective treatment through two supra-regional specialist centres in Dublin (Tallaght) and Cork (Cork University Maternity Hospital), supported by five regional endometriosis hubs in the Rotunda, the Coombe Hospital, the National Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Galway.

NWIHP has advised that the development of the National Framework for Endometriosis is in the final stages of development. Work to implement the five structured regional hub services has begun with regional hubs and supra-regional sites already taking referrals and providing treatment pathways for women affected by this condition.

It is envisaged that each of the five hubs will be positioned to provide interdisciplinary care to women experiencing endometriosis up to a moderate stage i.e. the cohort whose symptoms cannot be managed appropriately in primary care or in their local gynaecology service but who do not require the expanse of highly specialist services within the supra-regional services.

The two supra-regional services are designed to offer specialised care to severe and complex cases of endometriosis, which may incorporate surgery for deeply invasive endometriosis.

Additional funding of €2.175 million has been provided this year to expand these services.

To support the implementation of the Framework, the HSE has established an Endometriosis Professional Network to help drive a standardised approach to endometriosis service delivery and care. The HSE National Clinical Guideline for Management of Endometriosis is also in final stages of development. The availability of this evidence-based guidance will support the management of endometriosis in both the primary and acute sectors.