Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

714. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff positions funded at the supra-regional endometriosis specialist centres in Tallaght and Cork University Maternity Hospital and five regional endometriosis hubs in the Rotunda, the Coombe Hospital, the National Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Galway; the number of staff positions filled, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27235/25]

Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

735. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the national framework on endometriosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27433/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 735 together.

The HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme has led on the development of the National Endometriosis Framework in conjunction with endometriosis specialists and in consultation with stakeholders including the Irish Council for General Practitioners and the Endometriosis Association of Ireland.

The publication of the Framework is pending further engagement between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), representing GPs, and the HSE on the role played by GPs in implementing the model of care.

Most women experiencing signs and symptoms of endometriosis present to their local GP. GPs may refer women with suspected endometriosis to general gynaecology services in their local hospital. Moderate and severe cases of endometriosis may require referral into specialist services.

The specialist services model of care ensures treatment through two supra-regional centres in Dublin (Tallaght University Hospital) and Cork (Cork University Maternity Hospital), supported by regional endometriosis hubs within each of the six maternity networks.

Regional Endometriosis Hubs operate from the Rotunda, the Coombe, the National Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, University Hospital Galway and the Lee Road Clinic in Cork.

Services are expanding as recruitment continues with funding provided this year.

A breakdown of the number of Whole-Time Equivalent (WTE) staff positions funded and filled is as follows: