Latest news with #EndometriosisCymru
ITV News
a day ago
- Health
- ITV News
GPs to be trained to recognise symptoms of endometriosis earlier
GPs in Wales will be trained to recognise symptoms of endometriosis earlier, in a bid to improve diagnosis. The introduction of a specialist training programme comes six months after the Welsh Government launched its Women's Health Plan for Wales. It is aimed at improving women's experiences of healthcare across the country. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that causes debilitating pain and can start when women begin their period. One in ten women lives with the condition, but the wait in Wales to get a diagnosis is longer than anywhere else in the UK and can take up to 9 years. Sarah Murphy, 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." What is endometriosis? It's caused when tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow elsewhere. Each month, cells react in the same way as those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. But unlike cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has nowhere to go and can't escape the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. The condition is as common as asthma or diabetes. What are the symptoms? Symptoms vary from woman to woman and can include: Chronic pain Fatigue/lack of energy Depression/isolation Problems with sex life/relationships An inability to conceive Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments Even with a diagnosis, some women in Wales are being told they'll have to wait up to 7 years for treatment within the NHS. The new expert-led training will be rolled out across Wales and, among those already participating, has led to a 43% increase in GPs' knowledge of the condition. Dr Mirka Slavska is one of the specialist consultants who has delivered the training. She said, "'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.'
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government provides endometriosis training for GPs
The scheme focuses on endometriosis, a condition affecting one in 10 women in Wales, and is part of the Welsh Government's Women's Health Plan, launched six months ago. The expert-led programme is delivered by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) and has already led to a 43 per cent increase in GP knowledge about endometriosis, boosting confidence in discussing symptoms and treatment options. Sarah Murphy, 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 in the Women's Health Plan, published in December. Since its launch, key achievements include plans for a women's health hub in every health board area by March 2026, the creation of Wales' first women's health research centre, and a focused call for research into women's health communication. Dr Helen Munro, clinical lead for Women's Health in Wales, provided an update on the 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."
