Endo Wexford raises concerns over aftercare as women travel abroad for endometriosis surgery

A Wexford endometriosis campaigner says sending women abroad for specialist surgery cannot be considered a long-term solution to shortcomings in treatment services in Ireland.

Fifty-two women have been approved to travel overseas for surgery under the HSE's Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme with another five expected to travel in the coming weeks.

The scheme was introduced while specialist endometriosis services continue to be developed in Ireland.

Patients must already be on a public or private waiting list for surgery have the procedure recommended by an Irish consultant gynaecologist and not already have a surgery date in Ireland.

Speaking to South East Radio News Orla Quirke Chair of Endo Wexford said she welcomed the fact that women were gaining access to specialist treatment but questioned why they had to leave the country to receive it.

“It is good news that women are being able to be seen by specialists who now deal with endometriosis,” she said.

However, she added: “I do feel like it's bad news that we have to send women of Ireland abroad to be treated by doctors that are not in our own country.”

Endo Wexford previously surveyed women about the prospect of travelling overseas for treatment.

Orla said: “90% of them said that they would not be happy to travel abroad.”

She said one of her biggest concerns surrounds the follow-up care available when patients return to Ireland following major surgery.

“My fear is that if a gynaecologist here in Ireland is sending you abroad, they obviously are not able to treat your disease. So then you come back to Ireland and something goes wrong. What happens then?”

The scheme covers the operation, hospital care, necessary tests and a basic return flight. Where medically recommended, basic travel costs for a companion may also be covered.

However, patients can face additional costs including accommodation, meals, baggage and local transport while overseas.

Orla said that could place another burden on patients, particularly those who need someone to accompany them following major surgery.

She believes Ireland ultimately needs greater specialist capacity as well as improved awareness among frontline healthcare professionals.

“They really need to look at both ends,” she said, calling for greater training for GPs and medical professionals so that women and girls presenting with possible symptoms of endometriosis are recognised and treated appropriately rather than repeatedly dismissed.

The surgery-abroad scheme is operating as an interim measure while additional specialist endometriosis services are developed in Ireland.