On April 9, 2025, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill inaugurated the HSE Supra-Regional Endometriosis Centre in Cork.

This cutting-edge facility, situated at the Lee Clinic and managed by Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), is dedicated to improving care for women suffering from advanced endometriosis.

The centre represents a significant advancement in women's healthcare, offering specialized, multidisciplinary treatment and support for this often debilitating condition.

Addressing a Critical Health Need

Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside it, affects approximately one in ten women globally. The new centre is designed to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment and support for women suffering from this often debilitating condition.

A New Model of Care

Minister Carroll MacNeill emphasized the importance of the centre in delivering a new model of care. She highlighted the challenges women face with delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment, and expressed hope that the facility would bridge these gaps, offering timely and equitable access to essential services.

Collaboration and Support

The centre was developed in collaboration with the HSE and the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP). It aligns with the National Endometriosis Framework, which outlines a defined clinical care pathway for women with endometriosis in Ireland.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Mairead O’Riordan, consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, and clinical director at CUMH, noted the significant impact of endometriosis on quality of life and the long journey many women face to receive a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. She expressed optimism that the new centre would change this, providing expert care and hope for better management of the condition.

Government Investment

The government has invested over €5 million in endometriosis services since 2021, including €2.175 million to expand services this year. This investment underscores the commitment to improving healthcare for women with endometriosis.

Conclusion

The opening of the Supra-Regional Endometriosis Centre in Cork marks a significant milestone in women's healthcare in Ireland. It promises to deliver specialized care and support, improving the lives of many women affected by endometriosis.

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