Hansard

Thank you, Presiding Officer and the information technology team.

I thank Rachael Hamilton for bringing the debate to the chamber. I am glad not only that endometriosis is being discussed in the chamber again but that it is being discussed outwith an awareness month. We need people who are seeking assistance with what is a chronic and often excruciating condition to be treated with respect and due pace, regardless of when they present, which means that greater awareness is needed all year round—in particular, among health professionals, employers and schools.

Awareness is improving, and we have to acknowledge the work that has been done in getting us to that stage by many incredible third sector organisations, including Endometriosis UK. I meet regularly representatives from the organisation’s north Highland support group, and I was told this morning that it has now reached 129 members.

I discussed with a fellow endo warrior a number of stories, including the story of one woman who had to give up her job while waiting for surgery and another who found that, when she finally got surgery, many around her cried with relief. It really is a big deal that many people in the Highlands and Islands will now be aware of endometriosis before they are diagnosed with it, as they will know where to go to get peer support, whether in dealing with the NHS or understanding their condition, or simply to find someone else who understands how much it can affect their life.

Endometriosis does not mean just painful periods—it can mean debilitating pain throughout the month. It can mean loss of employment, loss of organs, loss of fertility and so much more. It means that, even when you are on effective treatment, an unrelated but familiar cramping feeling can cause intense terror and trauma. Just today, a woman had to cancel a meeting with me because simply travelling yesterday had caused a flare-up. Endometriosis is not something that affects just a few people. Even the estimate of 10 per cent that is quoted in the motion amounts to one in 10 women, and we also have to remember those who are not included in the statistics.

There are people being turned away with more paracetamol every few months and people presenting to accident and emergency to be put on morphine just so that they can breathe properly, but they are not getting follow-up. Both of those situations used to be regular experiences for me.

We have to remember that there are still thousands of doctors who brush off cries for help and tell teenagers that it is normal to be curled up on a bathroom floor in agony, vomiting and passing out, with the clear underlying belief that it is basically a case of hysteria or a dislike of physical education. I was glad to hear recognition of that from a GP in the chamber.

The issues that I outlined have a devastatingly isolating effect across the board, but they are intensified for people who live in rural areas or far from the nearest hospital that can offer treatment. I am aware in particular of a number of women in the rural Highlands and Caithness who, after what we all know is a long wait, have to make preparations for a lengthy trip to Raigmore hospital for a hysterectomy or other procedure. Childcare is arranged, cover is agreed at work, petrol money is exchanged and a last-minute cancellation of that appointment can feel like the whole world has fallen apart.

Like most members who have spoken before me and who will speak after me, I am heartened by the women’s health plan and the commitment to reduce the time that it takes to make a diagnosis. However, alongside that, we have to ensure that a diagnosis means treatment, not years or even decades of people waiting for a solution while in pain and sacrificing the life that they want to live.

Once again, I thank Rachael Hamilton for lodging the motion. I look forward to hearing the minister’s response and commit to joining Rachael Hamilton and others in keeping up the pressure for endometriosis support.