Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to ensure that endometriosis is consistently and adequately covered in the education and training of healthcare practitioners.
Minister of Health: My Department has established a Regional Health and Social Care (HSC) Gynaecology Services Forum, with representation from HSC Trusts and the Public Health Agency (PHA). This Forum oversees improvements in gynaecology services, including endometriosis care, and considers key areas such as service development, clinical pathways, workforce capability, and training needs.
A Northern Ireland Endometriosis Pathway has been agreed and developed in partnership with stakeholders across both primary and secondary care. This pathway has been shared with HSC Trust gynaecology units and the Gynaecology Provider Collaborative. It outlines the patient journey from initial presentation in primary care, through enhanced primary care services and local endometriosis provision, and onwards to the developing regional endometriosis centres. It also incorporates arrangements for post-treatment follow-up.
The diagnostic pathway includes clinical assessment of symptoms, alongside appropriate investigations to determine disease severity and progression, informing subsequent care planning. Management options may include ongoing monitoring, medical treatment such as hormonal therapies, and/or surgical intervention, with due consideration given to fertility needs where appropriate.
As part of this pathway, my Department supports the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) NG73 evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, management, and referral of individuals with endometriosis. These guidelines incorporate important considerations relating to fertility and access to specialist care. Updated in November 2024, NICE NG73 provides a robust, evidence-based framework to support clinicians in delivering timely, appropriate, and high-quality care.
Education and training to support the delivery of high-quality endometriosis care in Northern Ireland is delivered through a combination of regional HSC initiatives and recognised professional programmes.
As independent contractors, General Practitioners (GPs) are expected to maintain the appropriate training and skills necessary for the services they provide. All doctors pursuing a career in general practice undertake comprehensive postgraduate training, covering a broad range of clinical conditions, including endometriosis.
GPs are also required to maintain and update their knowledge and skills through continuous professional development. This includes annual appraisal and revalidation, in line with General Medical Council (GMC) requirements, ensuring that doctors remain fit to practise and continue to provide safe and effective care.
A number of initiatives are in place to improve access to training and support for GPs and practice teams. GP Northern Ireland (GPNI) provides a widely used regional platform, offering a dedicated website and a programme of webinars to share resources, guidance, and continuing learning opportunities.
Practice-Based Learning (PBL) is another key component of GP education, providing structured learning sessions and ensuring protected time for professional development. Commissioned by my Department and delivered through GP Federations, PBL remains a practical and cost-effective approach to supporting learning for GPs, practice nurses, and the wider primary care team.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) also offers a range of courses and updates covering essential knowledge for the diagnosis and management of adenomyosis and endometriosis.
The HSC Clinical Education Centre (CEC), in partnership my Department delivers a programme of multi-professional education. These learning events aim to increase awareness, knowledge, and clinical competence among healthcare professionals.
In addition to formal training routes, a number of local organisations contribute to workforce development through awareness-raising and targeted training initiatives, complementing regional provision.
Collectively, these measures demonstrate an ongoing commitment to strengthening women’s health services in Northern Ireland and ensuring that healthcare professionals are supported to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care.
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