A new clinic to treat the one-in-ten women suffering from a debilitating reproductive condition known as endometriosis is to be set up in Jersey.
Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell – who has responsibility for women’s health – said the clinic will help those “most severely” affected by endometriosis.
She explained that the dedicated facility will adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, and be linked to a specialist endometriosis centre in the UK.
The announcement, made following queries from Express, comes after calls for improved recognition and treatment of the disease were made at an awareness event last month.
Hosted by campaign group Endometriosis Jersey, the initiative included a screening of a documentary film about the condition and a panel discussion with experts, advocates, and politicians.
Discussion focused on the difficulties women face in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis – as well as broader issues of health inequalities, limited specialist services, and a lack of clinical awareness around menstrual health issues.
Attendees argued that reproductive care remains fragmented and called on the Government to reinstate the women’s health strategy to create a unified plan for delivering co-ordinated, multidisciplinary services.
While Deputy Howell did not respond to queries about whether the Government would consider reinstating the standalone strategy after it was scrapped last year, she said an action plan is being developed to “improve access to gynaecological services” while promoting “education and knowledge about gynaecological conditions and where and how to seek help”.
Kate Fry, the founder of Endometriosis Jersey and a long-time campaigner for greater awareness of the condition, said she was “deeply moved” by the announcement, which she described as “a vital step forward”.
She said: “This acknowledgement of the pain and struggles faced by so many women feels long overdue, but it gives me hope.
“I’ve always dreamed of a future where endometriosis is no longer misunderstood or neglected, but I must admit that, with the delays to the women’s health strategy, that dream had started to feel out of reach.
“A clear and compassionate healthcare pathway is finally being built, and I am incredibly excited for the future this signals.”
This acknowledgement of the pain and struggles faced by so many women feels long overdue, but it gives me hope
kate fry, endometriosis jersey founder
Deputy Howell, meanwhile, acknowledged the serious challenges faced by islanders with endometriosis, particularly those dealing with severe period pain, and encouraged them to seek guidance from their GP.
She also explained that sufferers can already be referred to a gynaecological clinic for further advice and treatment, including pain relief.
The Assistant Minister also moved to reassure those affected by endometriosis that the Government is listening to their concerns and is committed to providing better support.
“We don’t want anyone to suffer in silence,” she added.
The annoucement come days after a Reform Jersey politician called on the Government to consider introducing paid menstrual leave for people with endometriosis after sharing her own struggle with the “often invisible but deeply life-altering” condition.
Pointing to new legislation in Portugal where endometriosis and adenomyosis sufferers are granted up to three days of paid leave per month, Deputy Carina Alves said Jersey should consider whether a similar policy could be introduced locally.