Written answers
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Department of Health
Health Services
Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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2734. To ask the Minister for Health the care pathway for a person who is diagnosed privately in the north of Ireland with endometriosis; the services available in this State; the next steps for a person with such a diagnosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41744/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Most women experiencing signs and symptoms of endometriosis present to their local GP in the community. Women are cared for at the most appropriate level of intervention beginning with primary care by GP, to local hospital care, to specialist hospital care.
New clinical guidelines on the assessment and management of endometriosis were published by the HSE in March 2025. These clinical guidelines support a standardised approach and evidence-based guidance for medical practitioners and for patients accessing endometriosis services.
In line with clinical guidelines, GPs are encouraged to initiate treatment for suspected endometriosis. Where symptoms persist or if symptoms are severe, timely referral to secondary care for laparoscopy is recommended.
GPs can refer women who have already been diagnosed with endometriosis directly to specialist services for treatment or to general gynaecology services.
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.
Referrals for endometriosis are being accepted at all regional hubs and supra-regional sites as services expand.
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