I was delighted to receive an update in today’s Cabinet meeting on women’s health services, including for women in the Midlands.
I have been an advocate of one-stop “see and treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics in the Midlands as they improve access to gynaecology services and reduce the requirement for multiple gynaecology appointments. There are recently opened clinics in Portlaoise, Nenagh and Mullingar. This is of huge benefit to women who do not have to travel as far or as often for treatment.
An estimated 70% of general gynaecology referrals are suitable for management in this clinic setting, and is, therefore, considered to be a more efficient and effective use of resources than the traditional outpatient model.
Investigations available include pelvic ultrasound, diagnostic hysteroscopy, and endometrial biopsy.
I welcome that a specialist Menopause Clinic has opened in Nenagh which also hosts a regional fertility hub, providing access to publicly funded assisted human reproduction treatment (AHR) including IVF, ICSI and IUI.
Women’s health is a priority of mine and it is significant that funding for women’s health has grown by €140 million during the lifetime of this Government. I will continue to work with the Minister for Health to support the planning for the next phase of initiatives and programmes to support women’s health in 2024 and 2025.