Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that impacts more than 100,000 women in Scotland. The symptoms leave approximately 49% of women in pain most days and 1 in 3 say that it limits their activities, according to figures from Endometriosis UK.
International best practice from the World Health Organisation and other bodies recommends a focus on improving treatment pathways, cutting down diagnosis times and improving awareness of endometriosis.
I have set out plans for a national network of specialist endometriosis clinics, which could be established across every health board in the country, so that women with symptoms can quickly be referred to get the best treatment available.
I will keep working hard to deliver improvements to the medical system so that women with endometriosis no longer have to suffer in silence without getting the treatment and support they deserve. We must do better.
