Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has taken recent steps to help improve the (a) diagnosis and (b) treatment of (i) polycystic ovary syndrome and (ii) endometriosis.

In 2022, we published the Women’s Health Strategy for England, which identified gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as a priority.

We have allocated £2.3 billion to establish up to 160 community diagnostic centres (CDCs) by 2024/25 to reduce waiting times for diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound for those with suspected PCOS. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is considering the development of a guideline on PCOS. NICE’s guidelines set out evidence-based recommendations, including on the diagnosis and management of conditions, to improve the quality of care. We expect healthcare professionals and commissioners to take these guidelines into account in the treatment of patients.

We are also increasing activity through dedicated surgical hubs for planned procedures, focusing on providing high-volume low-complexity surgery, such as laparoscopies for suspected endometriosis. NICE recently conducted a surveillance review of its endometriosis guideline. On 3 November 2022, NICE confirmed that it will update the sections on diagnosing endometriosis, surgical management and surgical management, if fertility is a priority. NICE will also explore mental wellbeing and support for those with suspected or confirmed endometriosis during the scoping of the update. The expected publication date of the updated guideline will be available in due course. NHS England is also reviewing the service specification for severe endometriosis, including care pathways for thoracic endometriosis and expects to report on the outcome in 2023. This will ensure that specialist endometriosis services have access to the most recent evidence and advice and improve standards of care.