North SNP candidate Maree Todd gives pledge on endometriosis waiting times
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Maree Todd has pledged that an SNP-led Scottish Government would reduce waiting times for diagnosing endometriosis to less than 12 months by the end of the next parliament.
She also gave an assurance that, if her party returns to power, a future Scottish Government will look to improve the experience and diagnosis of women who visit their GP with other menstrual problems.
Ms Todd, the SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “Campaigners have estimated that almost 140,000 women could be suffering from endometriosis in Scotland. Many of these women are forced to deal with really severe symptoms which affect their daily lives and, unfortunately, many also face a lengthy wait for a diagnosis of this debilitating condition.
"But there is now a real opportunity to deliver much-needed improvements for endometriosis sufferers, and to raise awareness and improve the experience of women who visit their GPs with other menstrual problems.
"If re-elected, the SNP will cut waiting times for diagnosing endometriosis to less than 12 months by the end of the next parliament – a commitment which will ensure that everyone living with endometriosis in Scotland has access to the best possible care and support.
"We are absolutely determined to improve services for all those affected by endometriosis, to make sure that women are not left behind as we move from pandemic into recovery, and deliver action to tackle women’s health inequalities, including endometriosis, through our Women’s Health Plan."
Ms Todd added: “Women’s health is a key issue here in the Highlands and I am encouraged by the SNP’s manifesto which commits to addressing gender inequality in our health service.
“In doing so, we will establish a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women.
“We will also review midwifery and health visiting pathways for new families and babies, improving access to practical breastfeeding support and physical therapy advice, and increase postpartum mental wellbeing support.
“To ensure women are supported through menopause, we will improve access to specialist services for advice and management upon diagnosis.
“We will also examine the merits of lowering the current screening age thresholds based on advice from clinical experts in the National Screening Committee.”
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