Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
920. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the delivery of two specialist endometriosis centres for complex care located at Cork University Maternity Hospital and Tallaght University Hospital; and if he will confirm when patient referrals will be accepted at these services. [24949/23]
View answer921. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the status of the Government's commitment to develop a National Endometriosis Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24950/23]
View answer923. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when the HSE National Clinical Guideline for Management of Endometriosis will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24952/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 920, 921 and 923 together.
In relation to endometriosis care in Ireland, the HSE’s National Women & Infants Programme has commenced the development of National Endometriosis Framework, which will be rolled out in a phased basis and published in 2023. This Framework will identify how care for women in this area needs to be delivered, with this care spanning primary care to local hospital care to specialist complex care.
Investment in this area commenced over the course of 2021 and 2022 with two supra-regional complex endometriosis services in the process of being established in Tallaght and Cork. The complex services in Tallaght and Cork will be supported by a network of 5 regional endometriosis hub services, which are being developed, and that will co-ordinate care within their respective Hospital Groups.
In addition, a National Clinical Guideline for Management of Endometriosis is also in development and is due for completion in the coming months. The availability of this evidence-based guidance will support the management of endometriosis in both the primary and acute sector.
As these issues relate to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
