Today, we share why endometriosis care must be a priority for the new Government and how to lobby your MP to call for change.
A new government and a new opportunity
Last month, Keir Starmer entered number 10 Downing Street as our new Prime Minister, leading a Labour majority Government. Out of 650 people elected, 335 have never been an MP before. That means we have an exciting opportunity to engage a new set of MPs in our work, and ensure every new MP knows what endometriosis is and what changes are needed to ensure everyone gets access to the right care at the right time.
Latest stats show that only 54% of people know what endometriosis is – and we want every MP to know about the disease, its impact, and how they can deliver key changes to the lives of the 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK.
We want everyone with endometriosis to have access to the right care at the right time. As well as campaigning for key changes in health, we will be calling for changes across other policy areas including education, employment, benefits and research that we’ll be exploring throughout this blog series.
Your voice matters. It’s time for the Government to make endometriosis care a priority
At Endometriosis UK, we hear far too often that so many are struggling to get a diagnosis and access to treatment.
Shockingly, diagnosis times in the UK haven’t decreased in over a decade. Our own research highlights that prior to diagnosis, those with symptoms often have multiple GP, hospital and A&E appointments, and during the 8 years and 10 months on average it takes to get a diagnosis, the disease may progress, and can have a devastating impact on all aspects of someone’s life.
Even once a diagnosis is secured, it is often hard to access the treatments that would help. Should symptoms recur after treatment, it can be like having to get diagnosed all over again with multiple appointments.
Far too many with endometriosis are facing unacceptable delays, and the Government must make endometriosis care a priority and cut the delays in accessing diagnosis and treatment.
Get involved
There’s a lot that needs to change in endometriosis care – and together we can make a real difference to the lives of those affected by endometriosis.
How you can use your voice for change:
- We want MPs to get straight to work and hear about endometriosis and how they can support you locally and in Parliament. Get involved by emailing your MP today and ask them to join the APPG on endometriosis.
- Share your story. Your stories can inspire real change, and MPs want to hear your experience of living with endometriosis and how they can make changes to improve care locally and in Parliament. If you would like to share your story to help empower change, you can do so here.
- Meet with your local MP. Most MPs hold surgeries in their constituency which is an opportunity for you to meet with your MP and discuss your experience of endometriosis. They are usually held on a Friday in the constituency. We have a helpful guide on meeting with your MP here.
If you arrange a meeting with your local MP or would like any advice, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us on policy@endometriosis-uk.org.
