Four new trustees have been appointed to Endometriosis UK, joining the Board of Trustees led by chair Angela Style. They bring a significant range of skills, knowledge and experience to the Board, including communications, campaigning, primary and secondary healthcare.
“We were hugely impressed by the calibre of individuals coming forward to join our Board which is testament to the increased profile of endometriosis and a strong vote of confidence in the work of Endometriosis UK” says Angela Style, chair of Endometrioses UK. “Endometriosis UK wants to see all women with endometriosis receiving prompt diagnosis and high-quality care and treatment for this life-devastating disease. Our new trustees bring a wealth of skills and expertise across communications, health policy and campaigning and endometriosis care in primary and specialist settings and I am looking forward to working with them to ensure that Endometriosis UK continues to deliver our mission to improve the lives of the 1.5m women with endometriosis across the UK.”
Our new trustees are:
Sarah Atkinson
Sarah’s professional experitise is in advocacy and communications, with sustained expereicne of all disciplines including digital, meida and brand. Currently Executive Director for Policy & Communications at the Charity Commission, Sarah has extensive experience as a charity trustee, developing strategy, offering constructive challenge and leading change.
Andy Glyde
Andy has worked for a number of different charities in campaigning and public affairs roles, including Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care and Age UK. He is passionate about the role of voluntary sector organisations in influencing change and improving health services. Originally from London, Andy has recently moved to the South Wales Valleys with his wife, Leanne. She was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2011, having experienced a delayed diagnosis and poor treatment and care. This is what motivates Andy to be support Endometriosis UK
Sanjay Vyas
Sanjay Vyas is the senior gynaecologist at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, where he has been a Consultant for over 20 years. He is also an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Bristol. Sanjay qualified from the University of London in 1985 and is a nationally recognised expert in gynaecology, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and pelvic ultrasound scans. A large proportion of his surgical work involves keyhole surgery for treatment of heavy periods, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and other benign conditions. The majority of his patients have been referred directly to him for this expertise, and other consultants locally regularly seek his opinion.
Sanjay is the Vice President of the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy and has been an elected member of the council of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. His work has contributed to major improvements in training junior doctors, and care for women. He is regularly invited to lecture at national and international educational meetings.
Veena Rao
Veena is a GP with Special Interest in Gynaecology, as well as a GP Appraiser and Tutor on GP courses. Veena has additional training and qualifications in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Always passionate about improving women’s health, Veena decided to change career a decade ago to become a GP as she felt that many common gynaecological conditions could be treated in primary care, and in 2007 decided to provide a specialist gynaecological outpatient service in Primary care.
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For further media information please contact Emma at communications@endometriosis-uk.org or call on 020 7222 2781
Website: www.endometriosis-uk.org
Notes to editors
1. Endometriosis UK is the leading national charity dedicated to providing support and information for women who have the condition. We work to increase understanding of endometriosis through campaigning, awareness-raising initiatives and research. We offer a wide range of advice and support, including a helpline, information leaflets and local support groups. These services are run by volunteers, all of whom have been affected by the condition.
2. An estimated 1 in 10 women in the UK suffer from endometriosis, with symptoms that include severe pain, heavy bleeding, pain during sex and the risk of becoming infertile. It can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity. Approximately 176 million women and girls suffer from endometriosis worldwide.
3. Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other areas of the body, most commonly in the pelvic region. This tissue responds to hormones in the same way as the lining of the womb but, with no outlet, it can cause inflammation, scarring and adhesions, leading to severe pain and many other symptoms.
4. Individual women can suffer a range of symptoms including severe and chronic period pain, heavy or irregular periods, fatigue and lack of energy, depression and feelings of isolation, pain on sexual intercourse and fertility problems. There is no definitive cause for endometriosis and the only conclusive way to determine if a woman has endometriosis is through a laparoscopy, usually done under general anaesthetic.
