Comments made this week from Minister Delyth Jewell MS suggest a potential step forward in discussions about the future of the Cardiff BSGE Endometriosis Centre. Acknowledging that diagnosis times were too high, the Minister set out that the Welsh government intended to “look regionally and nationally” at sustainable endometriosis services in future, rather than the current approach which has relied on individual health boards.
As the only specialist endometriosis centre in Wales, the Cardiff BSGE Endometriosis Centre plays a vital role in providing expert multidisciplinary care to those with complex endometriosis. Cardiff and Vale Health Board have been working with the Welsh Government regarding the centre and have given assurances that they can meet the new criteria set out for keeping the centre open. The decision regarding the centre is expected in December 2026.
When concerns were first raised about the future of the centre, Endometriosis UK joined campaign partners in highlighting the importance of safeguarding access to specialist endometriosis care in Wales and engaging with decisionmakers on the potential impact of any closure. We have been delighted to support the campaign which has brought together a range of organisations including the Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), who have played key roles in coordinating the campaign, bringing organisations together to engage with the Welsh Government, elected representatives and decisionmakers.
In the last month, Endometriosis UK have undertaken a range of advocacy activities, including hosting a Senedd drop-in event to brief Members of the Senedd on the potential impact of the proposed closure. We wrote to the Women's Health Minister to outline our concerns and the importance of preserving access to specialist services. During the Plaid Cymru Conference, we had the opportunity to discuss the issue with the Minister and reinforce concerns about the devastating impact of the loss of the centre would have on those with endometriosis across Wales.
The Minister's comments, and the indications that the Welsh Government and Health Board are working together to explore options for the future of the centre, reflect the strength of feeling expressed by patients, clinicians, campaigners, and organisations from across Wales.
We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this campaign so far. While these developments are encouraging, no formal decision has yet been announced. We will continue campaigning with Government, policymakers, and stakeholders in the weeks ahead and remain committed to supporting efforts to secure the future of this vital service.