To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department ensures that endometriosis patients receive clear and timely communication in relation to their condition, treatment options and waiting times.

In each of the Trusts, waiting times fluctuate depending on the specific needs of each patient and the next step in their pathway. The next steps for the patient’s treatment pathway may be conservative management, further investigations or to be added to the inpatient or day case waiting list for surgical treatment.

In Belfast Trust patients are provided with patient information leaflets in relation to their condition. Options for onward treatment is discussed as part of the consent process at outpatient appointment. Waiting times fluctuate depending on the specific needs of each patient and the next step in their pathway, e.g., conservative management, investigations or to inpatient/day case waiting list.

Patients who are new referrals for an outpatient appointment are advised if their case has been added as urgent/routine and approximate waiting times can be obtained from Waiting list offices in Belfast Trust. Patients for review are informed when they should expect their clinically indicated review appointment and those added to Inpatient Waiting Lists are advised of the approximate length of wait.

Currently in Southern Trust, endometriosis patients are given information at the time of their diagnosis by consultant overseeing their care.

In South Eastern Trust information leaflets are provided on third sector support.

In Northern Trust information available from Endometriosis UK is used in gynaecology clinics as a point of reference for patient information. Treatment options are patient specific and individual to each woman’s condition and management plan.

In Western Trust patients can contact the Endometriosis Nurse Specialist in relation any queries to their condition, treatment options and waiting times