New government urged to step-up endometriosis fight - says Oldham charity

Faith, BAME and women’s groups plus Oldham’s very own dedicated charity, sent out a strident demand to the new government this weekend – dash to the aid of those with endometriosis.

Led by Endometriosis Awareness North, the team pounded Alexandra Park to illustrate how treatment for the condition – which cripples one in 10 women – is sluggish and slow, resulting in years of endless pain.

But with a new cabinet bursting with female figures including our first woman chancellor and Deputy PM Angela Rayner, charity chief Dr Anita Sharma believes the time to strike is NOW – and has set-out her priorities to the new administration.

These are:

·       Any patient with symptoms of endo, should be referred to a specialist straight away, instead of enduring endless visits to A&E

·       Resource should be put aside to investigate a proper cure for the gynaecological condition, which is so debilitating it can result in immobility.

·       An education programme be introduced to enable people to properly understand the mental health issues associated with endometriosis.

“What we are asking for is very achievable and indeed is common practice in other countries” said Dr Shama, “in places such as Norway, having a family member with endometriosis means you are sent directly to a specialist at the merest hint you may have the condition.

"In this country, even attempting to bring in new guidelines for health professionals have sat on the shelf.

"This is not about affordability; it is about having the will to change the situation and alleviate the physical and mental pain women are experiencing.”

Set against grey skies, the Endo Walk and Talk event was a bright splash of yellow – like breast cancer’s pink, the colour associated with campaigning on the issue.

It was a ray of hope too, for sufferers and for one “endo warrior” proved a particularly poignant event.

Siobhan Kennett took the brave decision to attend a similar event earlier in the year.

Now she is the charity’s diarist and one of their ambassadors.

Siobhan said: “One lady had read about my own experience and that encouraged her to come along to Alexandra Park, which was very heart-warming and humbling to hear.

"Us just having a moment to share our experiences and similarities was something very special.

"It is exactly why we are a group, do the work we do, and the reason we hold these events.

"We are passionate about raising awareness for endometriosis as a condition and it's effects, but more importantly, we are here to let the one in 10 sufferers and their families know that they are NOT alone!” 

Dr Sharma concluded: “Oldham holds a unique place in the history of British health.

"The world’s first test tube baby Louise Brown was born in our local hospital and more recently, the borough held the planet’s first-ever covid vaccination clinic for the homeless.

"That is why I am confident that the battle to beat endometriosis – a condition so chronic that half of its sufferers have thoughts about ending their life – will succeed.

"When Oldham highlights health – others listen.”

For more on Endometriosis Awareness North, go to: https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/

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