On Tuesday 20 October, Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, chaired an online panel discussion and Q&A to mark the launch of the Endometriosis All-Party Parliamentary Group’s inquiry report. Sir David was joined by the Minister of State for Health and Social Care, Nadine Dorries MP, Vice-Chair of the APPG, Emma Hardy MP, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Edward Morris, CEO of Endometriosis UK, Emma Cox, and endometriosis sufferer, Bhavni Fowler.
The event follows the successful launch of the group’s report on Monday which contained the findings of an inquiry into endometriosis which started in February this year. Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women in the UK, sometimes leaving them in chronic and debilitating pain. The APPG’s inquiry found that diagnosis times for endometriosis have not improved in the last decade and women are still waiting on average 8 years for a diagnosis. The report shows the stark reality of what it is like to live with endometriosis, including the impact that it has on all aspects of a person’s life, from mental health to relationships to employment and education.
During the online event the Minister, Nadine Dorries, gave a passionate speech about the treatment that women often receive when trying to get a diagnosis. She assured that endometriosis was part of the Government’s ‘women’s health agenda’ and she would work alongside the APPG to make sure that changes are made to improve the lives of those with endometriosis.
During his speech Sir David assured those at the event of the APPG's commitment to making sure real and meaningful action is taking as a result of the report. Sir David said:
“I am thrilled that we have been able to carry out this inquiry and I do hope that the Government will read our findings carefully and take tangible action to improve the care for those with endometriosis.
I am pleased that there are a number of my colleagues here today and I do believe that it is up to Parliamentarians to raise this issue to make sure that real and decisive action is taken.
I know for certain that myself and my fellow members of the All Party Parliamentary Group remain committed to making sure that the voices of the 1.5 million people with endometriosis are heard, and we will not rest until endometriosis care is at the top of the agenda.”
Read the full report here: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-appg
