Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the potential merits of time-bound, measurable targets to reduce the time taken for diagnosis of (i) endometriosis; and (b) adenomyosis.
Minister of Health: My Department fully recognises the significant and often life-limiting impact that delayed diagnosis of gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis can have on women’s quality of life. Ensuring timely assessment, diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment is therefore a clear priority.
While there are currently no formally established, time-bound regional targets specific to the diagnosis of these conditions, I want to be clear that substantial work is underway across the health and social care system to reduce waiting times and to develop more effective and consistent gynaecology care pathways within each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust.
To drive this forward, my department has established a regional HSC gynaecology services forum, bringing together HSC Trusts, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and General Practitioners (GPs). This clinically led forum is overseeing a programme of reform to improve services across primary, intermediate, secondary and tertiary care. It is also taking forward the implementation of the recommendations set out in the Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) Gynaecology Report.
A key focus of this work is to ensure that women receive the right care at the right time and in the right setting. As most patient journeys begin in primary care, the pathways being developed place a strong emphasis on supporting GPs to assess and manage patients appropriately, with clear escalation routes to enhanced primary care services or secondary care where necessary.
The GIRFT task and finish groups have prioritised practical improvements, including the standardisation of referral and diagnostic pathways, the development of centres of expertise, and enhancing education and awareness among both healthcare professionals and the public. This approach is designed to deliver meaningful and sustainable improvement in early recognition and timely diagnosis, rather than relying solely on narrow time-based targets.
I remain firmly committed to improving outcomes for women affected by these conditions. As this work progresses, my department will continue to keep the role of measurable indicators, including time-based metrics, under active consideration as part of wider service improvement and performance management.
ENDS
Your MLA 