Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

522. To ask the Minister for Health the means by which she plans to increase the number of consultant gynaecologists with specialist training in endometriosis, and specifically in advanced excision surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40260/25]

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

The Programme for Government commits to continue to expand specialist endometriosis services. Endometriosis has been recognised as a priority workstream on evolving women’s health support services and expertise, and is included in the Women's Health Action Plan 2024-2025.

The specialist services model of care for endometriosis ensures treatment through two supra-regional centres in Dublin (Tallaght University Hospital) and Cork (Cork University Maternity Hospital), supported by five regional endometriosis hubs.

Regional Endometriosis Hubs operate from the Rotunda Hospital, the Coombe Hospital, the National Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, and University Hospital Galway.

Endometriosis specialist services are expanding as recruitment continues with funding provided through the Women’s Health Action Plan this year.

As part of the structured higher specialist training (HST) programme in place in Ireland, all gynaecologists have received the necessary training and hold the required skill set and expertise to treat and manage endometriosis at a mild-moderate level.

The HST programme is five years in duration, with participants required to have successfully undergone three years of basic specialist training in the areas of obstetrics and gynaecology with the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists (IOG) before commencing the HST Programme.

Tallaght University Hospital with Cork University Maternity Hospital, and under the auspices of the IOG, has established a two year rotating Fellowship Programme across the two supra-regional services.

The ability to perform diagnostic and operative laparoscopy safely is a mandatory requirement including the diagnosis and removal of endometriosis. Training is also provided in the excision and ablation of peritoneal endometriosis and ovarian endometrioma.

Consultants leading the regional and supra-regional services have all undertaken structured training and training placements, either in Ireland or overseas, inclusive of the acquisition of advanced surgical skills required to treat endometriosis.

In addition, the HSE supports continued professional development and upskilling in the area of endometriosis with shared learning across services nationwide.