GPs across Wales trained to spot endometriosis earlier
GPs across Wales are being trained to better recognise the symptoms of endometriosis as part of a national initiative to improve women's health and reduce diagnostic delays.
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in Wales and is a key priority in the Welsh Government's Women's Health Plan, launched six months ago. The condition—often painful and difficult to diagnose—can significantly impact women's daily lives, careers, and relationships.
The new expert-led training programme, delivered through Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), has already led to a 43% increase in participating GPs' knowledge of endometriosis. It has also improved their confidence in discussing symptoms and treatment options with patients.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: 'Women have told us they feel unheard and their symptoms dismissed. This training helps ensure women's voices are at the heart of their healthcare, empowering GPs to provide better, more responsive care.
Endometriosis can have a devastating effect on women's lives. Through our Women's Health Plan, we are committed to delivering real improvements and tackling inequality.'
Dr Mirka Slavska, obstetrics and gynaecology consultant at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who led the training, said:
'We were pleased to deliver training that covered differential diagnosis, referral pathways, and the latest diagnostic and treatment options.
We also introduced the Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool. The positive feedback we received underlines the importance of practical, up-to-date training for frontline healthcare professionals.'
Endometriosis is one of eight priority areas identified in the Women's Health Plan, which aims to improve care and support for women and girls across Wales. Since the plan's launch in December 2024, key milestones include:
Early-stage work to develop a women's health hub in every health board area by March 2026
Establishment of Wales' first Women's Health Research Centre, funded by Health and Care Research Wales
A dedicated research call focused on communication in women's healthcare
At the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff today (Saturday, 7 June), Dr Helen Munro, Clinical Lead for Women's Health in Wales, provided an update on the development of the new health hubs:
'Meeting women's needs throughout their lives will be at the core of our new women's health hubs. These hubs will bring together professionals and services in community settings, with local population needs and existing infrastructure shaping their design and delivery.'
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