Almost three quarters of a million remain on gynaecology waiting lists, with the overall backlog reduced by less than 3% over the past year, according to a new report from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).
The report finds that if every woman currently waiting stood shoulder to shoulder, the queue would stretch over 191 miles, just one mile shorter than a year ago.
Demand is rising, with total referrals now around a quarter higher than five years ago, while capacity has not kept pace - leaving the system off track to meet Government waiting time targets. We know that many of those will be women and those assigned female at birth with diagnosed or suspected endometriosis.
The report also states that in England, there are stark inequalities: women in the most deprived areas wait the longest, and waiting lists are increasing fastest among Black and Asian women - with missing data likely understating the true scale.
RCOG's report emphasises that the impact of long waiting lists can include worsening mental health, or making it harder to take part in daily activities, including work.
Faye Farthing, Head of Communications and Campaigns at Endometriosis UK says,
"It is shocking that gynaecology waiting times remain unacceptably high – all whilst those with endometriosis are often suffering in limbo without access to the care and support they need to help manage their condition. Government must now step in as a matter of urgency to ensure the right capacity and resourcing to meet patient demand. Without access to treatment, not only can endometriosis worsen, but it can also have a devastating impact on all aspects of someone's life.
We're encouraged to see the Government recognising the importance of recognising and prioritising menstrual health and endometriosis care, but this must now be turned into action, and we look forward to working with the Government on the renewal of the Women's Health Strategy to ensure all those with menstrual health conditions have access to the right care, at the right time".
Read the report here: 'New Year: Still waiting for a way forward'
