12. Short Debate: Endometriosis and the women’s health plan in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:43 pm on 29 March 2023.

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Photo of Jane Dodds Jane Dodds Liberal Democrat 6:43, 29 March 2023

Thank you very much to Huw for bringing this short debate, and I really do want to thank others here who stayed in the Siambr, of both genders, and across all of the parties. Thank you for staying with us and listening to this because it is appreciated.

I just want to also touch on the fact that, where I live in Powys, there are no specialist services and we do have to travel across the border. In north Wales, the nearest endometriosis specialist centre is currently in England, and while arrangements do exist for cross-border referrals, they are hard to secure. Hopefully, in Betsi Cadwaladr in the future, they will include plans for surgery on endo in the next integrated medium-term plan.

Just for those of you who don't know the effect that it can have on people's lives, my husband actually works with somebody who has endo, and he describes that, on a daily basis, she is in absolute agony, sometimes unable to stand. There is very little for her and no treatment, but she continues to come into work and she continues to get support. But what that person needs, and what we need in Wales for all women, is the ability to have both the referral, the treatment to come as quickly as possible, and the ongoing support. Diolch yn fawr iawn.