Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ92397

Health Boards have a responsibility to deliver high quality gynaecology services. It is vital that they provide a robust and effective pathway, which includes early diagnosis, to manage endometriosis in accordance with NICE guidance.

Endometriosis secondary and tertiary care is not commissioned through the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee. Health boards are responsible for secondary and tertiary care provided. Where they do not deliver the service in their own health board, they have a commissioning arrangement with another health board so they can refer individuals for treatment; for some health boards this can include to services in England.

Funding for a specialist endometriosis nurse has been given to each health board in Wales. These nurses are actively spending time with individuals in clinics and liaising with their multidisciplinary teams to improve the endometriosis service in their health board.

I recently announced the appointment of Dr Helen Munro as the first ever clinical lead for Women’s Health who will lead the National Clinical Strategic Network for women’s health in developing a 10-year women’s health plan. This will outline how the NHS in Wales will meet the expectations of the Quality Statement for Women and Girls’ Health.

My officials are working with endometriosis nurses to identify areas for improvement. This will be shared with the Women’s Health Network as it develops the plan.