Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 2 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 September 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 1 September 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to ensure that (a) specialist care is available for endometriosis and (b) patient counsellors are available in (i) gynaecology wards and (ii) general practices.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that (a) specialist care is available for endometriosis and (b) patient counsellors are available in (i) gynaecology wards and (ii) general practices. [124187] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Government take endometriosis seriously and recognise that it affects the lives of many women and their families. There are some specialist clinics that treat advanced cases of endometriosis, but these have been developed locally in response to need rather than being organised nationally. We would need better evidence of their effectiveness and cost effectiveness before considering a greater national role in establishing specialist centres. Departmental officials met the National Endometriosis Society, to discuss issues about centres of excellence. I understand that they are intending to continue working together to see whether further work might be appropriate. We do not have any plans to introduce patient counsellors on gynaecological wards and general practice. The NHS University (NHSU) recognises the importance of good communication. The NHSU Induction and Communications Skills programme will be available to all staff joining the national health service on a roll out programme from October 2003. In addition, an advanced communication skills strategy is being offered initially to people working in the field of oncology, which again will be rolled out to other disciplines over time.

Secondary information