Written question WQ83751

Health boards have a responsibility to deliver high quality gynaecology services and it is vital they provide a robust and effective pathway, which includes early diagnosis, for the management of endometriosis in accordance with NICE guidance. Welsh Government has written to health boards seeking assurance that services are being delivered in line with the NICE guidance on endometriosis.

The need for specialist endometriosis nurses was a key recommendation within the 2018 review of endometriosis services in Wales. I am very pleased that the funding Welsh Government has provided to the Women’s Health Implementation Group (WHIG) has enabled each health board to fund a dedicated endometriosis nurse in each health board to help develop pathways which reflect the needs of the population, based on evidence from NICE and BSGE (British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy). The WHIG has helped to establish and co-ordinate a Endometriosis Nurses Community of Practice to implement and continuously improve how these local pathways are delivered.

Earlier this year, WHIG launched Bloody Brilliant, our online resource and educational platform. We know that taboos and lack of education about menstruation have tangible negative effects on girls and women's lives. They can affect future women’s health and the lack of knowledge about periods and what counts as ‘normal’ can lead to the late diagnosis of serious conditions including endometriosis. Bloody Brilliant will help break period taboos and empower young people to better understand period health and to know what is ‘normal’ and when they should seek help.