Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
318. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to address concerns about the absence of endometriosis specialists in Ireland; if he is aware that this shortage is causing acute distress to the many thousands of women who suffer from the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25888/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvestment in National Endometriosis Framework commenced over the course of 2021 and 2022. This enabled the establishment of two supra-regional complex endometriosis services in Tallaght and Cork, along with five endometriosis hubs, made up of interdisciplinary teams to support the holistic treatment of endometriosis in each of the maternity networks. These five hubs are located at the Rotunda, the Coombe, National Maternity Hospital, Limerick and Galway.
Additional funding is being provided this year through the Women’s Health Taskforce, to ensure the National Endometriosis Framework is fully funded. This will provide a further 18.1 WTEs across the two supra regional specialist centres and five endometriosis hubs.
The HSE has advised that all hubs and supra-regional sites are operational and that the 2024 funding will ensure that the Framework is fully funded. As recruitment of endometriosis specialists is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible regarding the recruitment status.
