Endometriosis framework launched 18 months late but promises major improvements in women’s care
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, has today launched the National Framework for the Management of Endometriosis in Ireland, marking an important milestone in the evolution of women’s healthcare in Ireland. Picture: 1IMAGE/Bryan Brophy
A framework for endometriosis care was launched by health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on Saturday, almost 18 months later than expected.
The document aims to create a clearer care pathway and assist GPs in referring women for specialist treatment.
An estimated one in seven women in Ireland live with the debilitating condition, based on the most recent data from Australia.
The framework formalises changes already underway and is expected to expand services further.
Three centres are already treating patients with moderate endometriosis, including University Hospital Limerick.
Two supra-regional centres are in operation — the newest at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) and the established clinic at Tallaght University Hospital.
CUMH has previously acknowledged challenges in recruiting staff, with many roles still unfilled, though it continues to treat patients.
Minister Carroll MacNeill welcomed the new framework, saying: “Endometriosis has long been an under-recognised and under-treated condition, but progress is now being made in raising awareness and enhancing our services.”
She said she expects sustainable improvements to follow.
The framework will “raise awareness in the clinical community, reduce time to diagnosis, and ensure timely and effective treatment,” she added.
Over €5m has been invested in endometriosis services since 2021, including more than €2 million in annual costs this year, according to the Department of Health.
Upcoming changes include an additional 100 surgeries this year and the recruitment of a new colorectal surgeon.
An Endometriosis Advisory Group has also been established within the Department of Health, including advocates and clinical experts, though questions have been raised about the selection process.
Doctors and healthcare workers will receive training and support from international endometriosis specialists.
A national awareness campaign on menstrual health, including endometriosis, will launch early next year.
Women who are well enough to travel abroad for treatment can apply for dedicated funding separate from existing schemes. Details are available on the HSE website under .
However, it is not yet clear how aftercare will be provided for patients returning from overseas treatment — an issue that has been challenging for many women.
HSE CEO Bernard Gloster acknowledged that care for endometriosis has been “challenging” historically.
He said the treatment abroad service is a temporary measure to address current obstacles, covering named centres in the UK and six EU countries, including Romania.
“This new scheme is a targeted response to the urgent need for timely surgical intervention for women with moderate to severe endometriosis, while domestic services are further developed and scaled up under the National Endometriosis Framework,” he said.
Dr Cliona Murphy, Clinical Director of the National Women and Infants Health Programme, said Ireland is now one of the few countries with a structured approach to endometriosis care.
She said she expects the framework will reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment across the country.
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