Latest news with #SarahMurphy
ITV News
2 days 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.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
GPs receive new training to help endometriosis diagnosis
GPs are receiving new training to help improve early diagnosis. 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."
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."
South Wales Argus
09-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
NHS Wales app launched to improve health care access
The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said the relaunch of this bilingual app represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of healthcare services. The app, having earlier been made available for beta testing, is now being promoted for nationwide use. Ms Murphy announced the relaunch at Wales' inaugural NHS Digital Summit, while outlining a 12-month roadmap for the app's future offerings. The app includes features such as allowing people to track their position on NHS waiting lists, view hospital appointments, and access a range of tools designed to assist in managing health while awaiting surgery. Ms Murphy said: "Our vision for the NHS Wales app extends far beyond today's relaunch. "In the coming months, people will be able to track their treatment waiting times and manage hospital appointments, all from their phone or device." The Minister applauded this as "just the beginning of our digital transformation," with aspirations of creating a digital entry point to NHS and social care services. Alongside the relaunch of the app, a new Welsh Identity Verification Service is also being introduced. The service allows GPs to verify the identities of people without government-issued photo ID, who wish to register for the app. People with government-issued photo ID can continue to use the online NHS login service to register. The Minister also used her platform at the Digital Summit to appeal for better cooperation across all aspects of the NHS, the Welsh Government, and Digital Health and Care Wales. She said: "This summit is a reset button and an opportunity to reaffirm relationships and to commit to working more collaboratively across the system to provide the best service for the people of Wales."
Sky News
30-04-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Wales to introduce same-day mental health care, Welsh government says
People in Wales who need support with their mental health will have access to same-day services as part of a new plan by the Welsh government. Its 10-year mental health and wellbeing strategy, launched on Wednesday, is centred around early intervention and prevention. The Welsh government said that the shift to receiving same-day support without the need for a referral had already begun. The Wales-wide NHS 111 service allows patients to press 2 for urgent mental health care. The new strategy - which the government says has been shaped by the people it is designed to support - will see patients referred for more intensive support only when, and if, it is needed. The latest data from the Welsh government shows there were 5,960 referrals made for a local primary mental health support service assessment in December. Sarah Murphy, the Welsh government's minister for mental health and wellbeing, said the strategy was a "major shift" in Wales 's approach. "We know that good mental health depends on much more than healthcare alone," Ms Murphy said. "That's why we're working to address all the factors that affect wellbeing - from housing and employment to tackling loneliness and building stronger communities." Simon Jones, head of policy and campaigns at Mind Cymru, said it was a "vital step forward" at a time when "more people than ever need help". Mr Jones added that while the charity was pleased with the "direction of travel", he called for "clear and consistent leadership to deliver on these commitments with urgency and long-term funding". "This is a moment of opportunity. If this strategy lives up to its potential, it could make substantial improvements to people's mental health in Wales," he added.
