Endometriosis UK welcomes NHS England’s announcement yesterday that menstrual health conditions, including endometriosis, will be one of the priority areas supported by the new NHS Online hospital, due to launch in 2027.
NHS Online hospital will offer a virtual care option, using the NHS App to triage patients and provide fast access to specialist clinicians online. Where needed, specialists will be able to arrange any tests required locally.
Endometriosis UK is encouraged to see NHS England recognise the urgent need for a step change in the diagnosis, care and support available for those living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding. Too many with endometriosis have experienced long waits for diagnosis and treatment, with wide variation in access to specialist care. These delays may have a devastating impact on health, wellbeing and quality of life. By acting now, the Government has an opportunity to reduce the current unacceptable average diagnosis time of almost nine years to one year or less by 2030.
NHS Online hospital will not replace traditional NHS services. Patients will continue to have the choice of face-to-face appointments, and anyone who needs physical examinations, investigations or procedures will still receive them in hospital or at local community hubs. However, adding a national online service could enable those with endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions to access specialist expertise much more quickly. This has the potential to support earlier diagnosis, speed up access to ongoing treatment and effective management, reduce unnecessary delays, and improve access to surgery where required – saving NHS resources whilst reducing patient suffering and potential disease progression currently experienced with long diagnosis and waiting times.
A national approach that connects patients to specialist care regardless of where they live could make a meaningful difference. It could enable faster access to diagnostics and specialist advice, as well as more convenient remote follow-up, where appropriate. It is essential, however, that the new service enhances access rather than limiting it, and that patients always retain a genuine choice in how and where they receive care.
For NHS Online to succeed, it will need to be properly resourced and designed to deliver safe, effective care. This includes timely access to sufficient numbers of appropriately trained clinicians across the country, as well as access to high quality tests, such as having gynaecology-trained ultrasound sonographers in local Community Diagnostic Centres. Only with these foundations in place can the programme deliver on its ambition to reduce diagnosis times and improve the quality of care.
Endometriosis UK looks forward to working with NHS England as this service develops, to ensure NHS Online delivers meaningful and lasting improvements for everyone affected by menstrual health conditions, including endometriosis.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, says:
“Endometriosis UK welcomes NHS England’s decision to prioritise menstrual health, including endometriosis, in the new NHS Online hospital. For too long, those with endometriosis have faced unacceptably long waits and uneven access to specialist care. This new initiative has the potential to be a real step forward if it delivers faster diagnosis, quicker access to specialists, and genuine patient choice. We look forward to working with NHS England to ensure the NHS Online Hospital delivers meaningful, long-term improvements for everyone affected by endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions.”
