National framework needed to address endometriosis - Mayo TD

MAYO Deputy Paul Lawless hosted the Endometriosis Association of Ireland in Leinster House for a cross party briefing yesterday, marked by the powerful testimonies and experiences of Dr. Ellen Ward, Louise Doyle and Hollie Barror.

“These women displayed incredible courage in being able to stand up and speak on such a personal topic. They discussed some of their most vulnerable moments with the disease so that they might shape our approach to policy going forward,” said Deputy Lawless.

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 women in Ireland have endometriosis and yet there is no national framework in place to provide guidance in regards to treatment and referral pathways.

There are five regional hubs across the country and treatment available in Cork, Tallaght and the Coombe, but we need a coherent structure in place to optimise care, he said.

Deputy Lawless spoke on the delays in getting the national framework published and said there is a lack of communication in regards to this.

“The framework was due to be published a year ago and yet talks between the HSE and GPs have yet to commence. I submitted a PQ to Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and she responded that the framework is in its final stages. However there is no clear idea of when this final stage will be completed and we have no date in place for its publication.

My main takeaway from listening to Hollie, Louise and Ellen is that this cannot be put on the back burner year after year. Each of their lives was impacted from their health, to work to their overall wellbeing.

“We need women to know that once they get linked in with their GP there is a clear pathway for treatment.

“I’m calling on the government and my fellow TDs and senators to support immediate movement on progressing the national framework.”