GPs across Wales are being trained to recognise the symptoms of
endometriosis earlier, to help improve women's care and
diagnosis.
One in 10 women suffer from endometriosis in Wales - a painful
condition which can take years to diagnose - and it is a priority
area in the Women's Health Plan, which was launched six months
ago.
The new expert-led training programme is one of the women's
health initiatives Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)
provides for GPs, which is helping to improve women's experience
of healthcare in Wales, in line with the plan's aims.
The endometriosis training has led to a 43% increase in
participating GPs' knowledge of the condition and more confidence
in discussing symptoms and treatment options with women.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Women have told us that they feel they are not heard, and their
symptoms are ignored. This training ensures women's voices are
central to their healthcare experience, and it helps GPs support
their patients more effectively.
"Endometriosis can have a huge impact on a woman's quality of
life, their work and their relationships.
“I am determined our Women's Health Plan will drive real
improvements in women's health outcomes and reduce inequalities."
Dr Mirka Slavska, an obstetrics and gynaecology
consultant at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who
delivered the training, said:
“I was delighted to deliver this training with Health Education
and Improvement Wales.
“The session covered differential diagnoses, referral pathways,
novel diagnostic and treatment options, and introduced the
Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool.
“The excellent feedback we received reflects the value of
equipping healthcare professionals with current, practical
knowledge to improve care for those living with endometriosis.”
Endometriosis is one of eight priority areas for improving
healthcare for women and girls in the Women's Health Plan, which
was published in December.
Key achievements since the plan's launch include:
- Work to scope and develop a women's health hub in every
health board area by March 2026
- Wales' first women's health research centre funded by Health
Care and Research Wales
- A focused call for research about women's health
communication
Dr Helen Munro, clinical lead for Women's Health in
Wales, today (Saturday 7 June) provided an update about
the development of the new health hubs at the Everywoman Festival
in Cardiff. She said:
"Meeting women's needs across their life course will be at the
heart of the new women's health hubs.
“This is where healthcare professionals will join up with
existing services to provide women's health services within our
communities. The needs of our local populations, together with
existing resources and infrastructure will guide the design and
delivery of the hubs.”
Notes to editors
- In support of Wales' Women's Health programme, Health
Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) launched a new
Endometriosis in Primary Care training programme. The programme
is one of several key GP training Phoenix which HEIW offers to
support women's health, including training on urinary
incontinence, PMS and suspected gynaecological cancer.
- For the endometriosis training, GPs were updated on the
most recent European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
and National Institute of Care and Excellence guidelines.
Participating GPs completed a knowledge questionnaire before and
after their endometriosis training, showing a 43% increase in
knowledge scores.
- Panel members for the ‘Empowering Women's Health: Research,
Policy & Change' session at the Everywoman Festival included:
Jacky Boivin, Professor and Director of the newly funded Women's
Health Research centre, Dr Helen Munro, Wales' Clinical Lead for
Women's Health and Dee Montague-Coast Engagement Officer at Fair
Treatment for the Women of Wales.
- By March 2026 there will be a pathfinder women's health hub
in each health board area in Wales, which will help improve
outcomes, access to and the experience of health and care
services for women. If successful, these will be rolled out more
widely.
