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Highland MSP warns Caithness women could be 'left behind' over endometriosis diagnosis


By Alan Hendry

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North politician Rhoda Grant says she fears women in Caithness could be "left behind" over the diagnosis of endometriosis.

The Highlands and Islands Labour MSP was speaking after she urged Nicola Sturgeon to carry out a review of women’s services in rural areas.

At First Minister's Questions, Mrs Grant voiced concern that areas such as the far north could miss out on the Scottish Government’s goal to reduce the timescale for endometriosis diagnosis from eight years to under a year.

This, she argued, is because the Women’s Health Plan "has very little about rural areas and the proximity of services for some individuals".

Caithness campaigners have been calling for the government to review women’s services in the county.

Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause painful or heavy periods and may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.

Mrs Grant said in the Holyrood chamber: “The Women’s Health Plan set out a goal to reduce an endometriosis diagnosis from eight years to less than a year in this parliamentary session. However, there is very little detail on how the government plans to reach that goal in our most rural areas, where proximity to services poses a unique challenge.

“Campaigners in Caithness are calling for a review of all women’s services, including endometriosis, to highlight the challenges that are faced in rural areas.

“Will the First Minister listen to these campaigners and review women’s services in areas distant from services, such as Caithness?”

Ms Sturgeon agreed to consider the proposition and said reducing the time for endometriosis diagnosis is a key aim of the government.

She admitted that the target with endometriosis was challenging. She also highlighted that work is under way to develop a Pelvic Pain Pathway, starting with endometriosis, and that the government will report regularly.

Mrs Grant said later: “I am supportive of this goal to reduce endometriosis diagnosis but I fear that rural areas such as Caithness will be left behind and the time it takes to get a diagnosis will become a postcode lottery.

“Rural areas such as Caithness face unique challenges when accessing healthcare and it’s important that the government takes note of these early in the process.

“That is why, in the first term of this new parliament, I am pressuring the government to notice these rural challenges and to address them before it’s too late and before women in Caithness get let down yet again.”


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