Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
134. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health for an update on the current staffing levels, per job type, at the two supra-regional endometriosis centres respectively per number of WTE posts, filled posts and current vacancies; the current waiting times for a first outpatient appointment at each centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28378/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast October, I launched the National Framework for the Management of Endometriosis. I also mandated an action plan to accelerate development of our endometriosis services. This includes the successful recruitment of additional colorectal surgeons in Cork and Tallaght. This will serve to facilitate and increase capacity for more complex surgical treatments. I am fully committed to the continued expansion of these essential services.
Further investment and expansion of these specialist services is provided for in the HSE’s 2026 National Service Plan. This includes an additional 65 WTE allocated to endometriosis services. The HSE has advised that this recruitment may take up to 18 months.
Over €5 million was invested in endometriosis services between 2021 and 2025. From this, two supra-regional specialist centres in Cork and Tallaght have been established. These centres provide for the management of complex endometriosis cases.
Cork’s endometriosis service currently has 5.5 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff.
• 1.5 Consultants
• 1.0 Specialist Registrar
• 0.5 Senior Psychologist
• 0.5 Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
• 1.5 Clinical Nurse Managers
• 0.5 Grade IV.
A further 5.1 WTE staff are being actively recruited;
• 2.1 Consultants
• 2.0 Healthcare Assistants
• 0.5 Clinical Specialist Dietitian
• 0.5 Senior Physiotherapist.
Tallaght’s endometriosis service has 10.1 WTE staff. All 10.1 posts are filled.
• 3.3 Consultants
• 1.5 Clinical Nurse Specialist
• 1.0 Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
• 1.0 Specialist Registrar
• 1.0 Grade IV
• 1.0 Health Care Assistant
• 0.5 Clinical Nurse Manager 2
• 0.5 Clinical Specialist Dietitian
• 0.3 Staff Nurse.
The health system does not collect the data necessary to calculate the average waiting time. The waiting time of patients who have already received their care is not recorded.? All referrals to a supra regional centre will have already been assessed by a specialist consultant.
There were 499 women waiting for a first appointment at a supra regional centre in February.
• 79% of women in Cork were waiting within the Sláintecare wait time target of 12 weeks. Most women are waiting no more than 6 months.
• 17% of women in Tallaght were waiting within the Sláintecare wait time target of 12 weeks. Most women are waiting no more than 9 months.
The Tallaght centre manages higher volumes of complex cases. An additional 0.5 WTE colorectal surgeon was recruited in April. This resource will help to reduce waiting times for women waiting on complex surgeries.
