We have made a series of recommendations to Camden Council and local NHS services based on what people told us about their experiences of endometriosis (please see our reports page to view this report on local women’s experiences of endometriosis).
Here are the suggested changes to local services we have asked for:
- Improve menstrual health education: Make sure menstrual health is taught in a comprehensive and age-appropriate way across all Camden schools, especially on the topics of endometriosis, period pain and menstrual health conditions.
- Make the condition better managed: For endometriosis to be a condition which is managed with continuous care pathways. This is a term used in the NHS which means patients are regularly monitored for any changes in their condition, and having a system where their GP is checking up on them on a regular basis. We have also asked that when MRIs in endometriosis cases have been asked for by a doctor, that this is treated as a priority.
- Get the care right from the very beginning: Improve women’s experience of endometriosis care at the first point of contact, so when a person first goes to see their GP. As this makes a real difference to the rest of that patient’s journey.
- Make care joined-up: We want to see care which is multi-disciplinary. This means that the care of a patient is joined up across different areas of the NHS. So, for example the care of someone with endometriosis would include GPs, psychologists, sexual health specialists, gynaecologists, nutritionists and physiotherapists all providing care and working together to really help that person. We would also like to see doctors to consider giving referrals for alternative therapies for pain management, as there are signs that these can be helpful.
- More understanding and care amongst health professionals: More training is needed for healthcare staff to provide compassionate and empathetic care for endometriosis patients.
- Local endometriosis patient groups: We would like to see regular support groups set up locally, so women can share their experiences and support each other. These groups will also have the input from a doctor or healthcare professional as well as being linked into local community networks for maximum support.
If you suffer from endometriosis or think you might do and you would like more information on how to get help locally in Camden, please email us on info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk or call us on 020 7383 2402 where you can leave us a message.