To ask the Minister of Health to detail any psychological and emotional support services available for those with a diagnosis of endometriosis.

As you may be aware, my Department has published the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Report for Gynaecology – this signals our commitment to working towards improving services for women which includes those suffering from endometriosis.

The GIRFT report has identified 20 general recommendations to improve services through coordinated regional action, as well as a list of specific recommendations for each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust to take forward. These recommendations have been accepted in principle with a view to implementing the required improvements as soon as it is feasible; however, it is acknowledged that some recommendations will require additional funding and lead-in time to deliver fully.

A Task and Finish Group to develop and implement an approved pathway for endometriosis has been established, and work is underway with key stakeholders to provide a holistic improved pathway for women. Trusts have advised that their current services have the following psychological and emotional support services available for those with a diagnosis of endometriosis.

Belfast Trust have an Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialist who can provide emotional support for women diagnosed with endometriosis. Patients can be referred to general psychological and pain services for further support although it is recognised that these services also have significant waiting time.

In Southern Trust there is currently no dedicated psychological and emotional support services available for those with a diagnosis of endometriosis.

In South Eastern Trust there is no dedicated psychology service for women suffering from endometriosis. There is however access to the chronic pain team but again this is not a dedicated service.

Northern Trust does not have any specific or ring-fenced psychological or emotional support services for women with a diagnosis of endometriosis. If indicated, a referral to general psychological services can be made by the attending clinical team.

The Western Trust would advise that they are not currently commissioned to provide specific psychological support to patient diagnosed with endometriosis. Patients can however contact the Endometriosis Nurse Specialist, who can provide emotional support. The Nurse Specialist can also sign-posted patients to services within the community or back to their GP for community-based support.