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Written question asked by Yasmin Qureshi (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 September 2026. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 28 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Endometriosis: Diagnosis

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she plans to introduce a national mechanism for tracking progress in endometriosis diagnosis and care as part of the Women's Health Strategy.

Answer

Further to the answers provided on 3 July in response to Questions 12453 and 12458, integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services that meet the needs of their populations and for enabling implementation of NICE guidance, including NICE guideline NG73 on endometriosis. NHS England supports implementation through its oversight of ICB planning and performance, informed by available access, waiting-time, quality and outcomes data, while recognising that local pathways should be designed around population need.

In response to Question 27420, NHS England does not hold this information.

The Renewed Women’s Health Strategy commits to speeding up diagnosis and access to treatment for conditions including endometriosis. In line with NICE guidance, services should have arrangements for prompt diagnosis and referral, with particular consideration given to referral to paediatric and adolescent gynaecology services for those aged 17 years old and under.

NHS England is developing a system-wide pelvic pain pathway, aligned with NICE guidance, to provide a consistent framework for managing pelvic pain and endometriosis across primary care, neighbourhood services, and specialist secondary care. This will support earlier recognition and diagnosis, clearer referral routes, and care at the most appropriate level according to clinical need, including for adolescents with suspected endometriosis.

NHS England is working with regions and systems to support adoption of these pathways and a neighbourhood approach to care. As this work develops, it will provide a clearer basis for ICBs to demonstrate delivery against NICE-aligned pathway expectations, identify unwarranted variation, and address gaps in access, timeliness, and outcomes through established assurance arrangements.

In relation to Question 27422, no assessment has been made.

A women’s health data dashboard is intended to be made publicly available within the next year providing neighbourhood-level comparable data about service performance, access, and women’s outcomes and experiences. Key lines of enquiry enabled by the dashboard will include understanding healthcare demand, access, and identifying outcome progress and variation.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
27423
Session
2026-27
Related items
Endometriosis: Diagnosis
Friday, 3 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Endometriosis
Friday, 3 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Diagnosis Endometriosis
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk