A local Minister has welcomed the development of ambulatory gynaecology clinics in the Midlands and elsewhere.
Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett said they will improve access to gynaecology services.
They will reduce the requirement for multiple gynaecology appointments, ensure sustainability of service provision into the future given the very significant waiting lists for this specialty and help improve clinical outcomes.
The Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care means one-stop “see and treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics.
An estimated 70% of general gynaecology referrals are suitable for management in the ambulatory setting, and is, therefore, considered to be a more efficient and effective use of resources than the traditional outpatient model.
Investigations available include pelvic ultrasound, diagnostic hysteroscopy, and endometrial biopsy.
Minister Hackett said: “Nenagh’s recently opened regional hub for women’s health, which includes a specialist menopause clinic, is the first ambulatory gynaecology clinic to be operational for women in the Midlands counties.
“I am conscious however that Nenagh is a considerable distance from much of the rest of the Midlands, – even my own home in North Offaly is over an hour by car from Nenagh.
“I was delighted to report, therefore, that work is already underway on the recruitment, refurbishment and equipping of an ambulatory gynaecology clinic in Portlaoise, which is expected to be operational this year.
“Funding has also been provided for further ambulatory gynaecology clinics, including one in Mullingar and one in Kilkenny, thereby completing the implementation of the Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care, bringing the total number of these clinics to 20 nationally.
“The above developments will contribute to greatly improved access to and quality of care for women who need to avail of it, and I look forward to hearing from Midlands women about their experiences of these services on the ground over the coming months and years.”
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