Charity showcase event highlights the plight of endometriosis sufferers

A successful second showcase event for the Endometriosis Awareness North charity was held at the Oldham Civic Centre, supported by the Mayor, Councillor Elaine Garry.

Dr Anita Sharma, an Oldham GP with special interest in gynaecology, is co-founder of the good cause that aims to raise awareness of endometriosis, a condition that blights the lives of one in 10 women of child bearing age, plus many more of older age.

She said: “The health and well-being of women is critical to the well being of the society as a whole, and while women make up 51% of the population, the health and care system has neglected women’s health.

"It is evident that a male as default approach has been seen in clinical research, trials, education, training, health care policies and services.

"This has led to gaps in our data and evidence and not enough is known about conditions that only affect women - for example endometriosis."

The Endometriosis Awareness North charity was developed by Dr Sharma to raise awareness, promote education of professionals, and empower women with knowledge so that they do not suffer in silence.

“There is enough evidence that even though women live four years longer than men, they live in poor health,” added Dr Sharma.

"Over three-quarters of women feel the health care service has not listened to them."

The charity’s co-founder Peter Gibson did a survey last year, and the majority of men did not know about endometriosis.

“Some thought it was throat Infection,” said Dr Sharma.

"Because of the poor knowledge and poor understanding of this condition, the charity has been doing regular public event sessions to raise awareness of endometriosis."

The latest event was attended by 70 people, not only the sufferers but also their families - parents, partners, and husbands.

They listened to the stories of charity ambassador Courtney Ormrod, her dad Paul Ormrod (an ex-fireman), Lucy Bowker and many more who have suffered with endometriosis - a debilitating painful condition which affects not only physical, but also emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Councillor Garry, in her opening speech, supporting the momen’s health strategy published in December, 2021, said: "The women’s voices must be heard. 

“They must be involved in decision making and timely care should be provided to all women suffering with endometriosis."

Dr Sharma added: "One in 10 women are suffering with endometriosis and its still taking 7.5 years to make a diagnosis - it's simply not acceptable."

Margaret Heywood, who has played a prominent role in a Patient Participation Group, is an active promoter and supporter of the charity and is developing education planning in Oldham schools and colleges.

The event was also supported by Dr Andrew Pickersgill - a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, and specialist in endometriosis.

He said: "The care must be offered through a managed clinical network of community, specialists and secondary care services with a range of multidisciplinary team so that the right care can be provided."

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.