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<p>We are investing £25 million in women’s health hubs, so that women can get better
access to care for menstrual problems, including for women with suspected or diagnosed
endometriosis. Women’s health hubs will play a key role in improving care for common
gynaecological and urogynaecological conditions, with care for endometriosis outlined
as a core service within the women’s health hubs.</p><p>Community diagnostic centres
(CDCs) also play an important part in tackling the backlogs of people waiting for
diagnostic tests, which includes checks, tests, and scans for patients on gynaecological
pathways, including those with endometriosis. As of October 2023, there are 135 CDCs
currently operational which have delivered over five million additional tests since
July 2021.</p><p>The elective recovery plan set clear ambitions to eliminate long
waits for planned National Health Service treatment. The overall vision is to eradicate
waits of longer than a year for elective care by March 2025. We are making good progress
on tackling the longest waits; in July 2022 the NHS virtually eliminated waits of
over two years and have since worked hard to reduce the number of patients waiting
more than 18 months by over 90%, since the September 2021 peak.</p><p>The NHS will
triage patients waiting for elective care, including surgeries, through three key
stages. Firstly, through clinical prioritisation, ensuring the order in which patients
are seen reflects clinical judgement on need. Secondly, by targeting those waiting
the longest, and thirdly by increasing the number of cancer referrals, ensuring those
patients who have not yet presented to services are included.</p>
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