My View: Improving Endometriosis Care

Thank you to everyone who got in touch with me about improving endometriosis care. I was honoured to stop by Endometriosis UK's recent event in Parliament to hear about the launch of their new report on endometriosis care in the UK. This is a campaign really close to my own heart, and it is always amazing to speak to the incredible women who refuse to give up in the fight for their health.  

Far too many women with endometriosis face long waits for diagnosis and treatment. I didn't receive my own diagnosis until I was 37, but like countless other women who haven't been listened to, I knew something was wrong for much longer. The findings in the report tell a stark tale of women ignored time and time again, with the average diagnosis time taking up to 11 years from their first GP visit to actually getting a final diagnosis. This is absolutely unacceptable, and symptomatic of just how misunderstood and ignored endometriosis continues to be.    

Our Government inherited a broken NHS, and as a result too many women are still subject to a system that doesn’t listen to their experiences or understand their needs. Whether it’s being passed from one specialist to another for conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, the lack of proper pain relief during procedures, or unacceptable gynaecology waiting lists - it’s clear the system is failing women, and it shouldn’t be happening. 

That’s why I weas really pleased to hear about the news from the Health Secretary that the Women’s Health Strategy is being renewed so every woman gets the healthcare she deserves, when she needs it. Women’s views and experiences will play a central role in developing this strategy. 

I share our Government’s commitment to build an NHS in which women can feel safe and can trust. This isn’t only about changing rules or regulations, because real progress requires a shift in culture and practice, so that women are not just seen but truly heard. That cultural change is absolutely essential. 

That is why I am so pleased that our Government is prioritising women’s health and improving the care received by those suffering from endometriosis, and that our Government is investing in research on diagnosis, treatment and pain management. I also welcome the introduction of NHS Online, a major programme designed to bring more care into the community and make it easier for women to access specialist clinical care online, wherever they live. The Health Secretary has confirmed that endometriosis will be one of the first conditions prioritised within the service. NHS Online will be fully operational from 2027 and is expected to enable up to 8.5 million virtual appointments in its first three years, giving women faster access to early assessment. 

I understand that since our Government came into office, the waiting list for gynaecology care has fallen by almost 20,000. Further actions being taken including the introduction of NHS Online, alongside new community-based pathways and increased capacity for gynaecology procedures, will help bring these numbers down further and ensure women receive the timely care they deserve. 

I was proud to stand on a manifesto pledge to ensure that women’s health is never again neglected, and I welcome our Government’s action to prioritise women’s health so far. I look forward to further action on women’s health being outlined in the renewed Women’s Health Strategy, and would be happy to keep you in the loop. 

And we're also seeing change happening closer to home too. Thanks to the tireless campaigning of Labour councillor and deputy mayor, Ceri Cawley, Redcar and Cleveland Council is now the first endometriosis friendly local authority in the North. These are important steps in highlighting the condition and the effect it has on the lives of thousands of women across our country.