Chamber
Plenary, 28 Jun 2001
28 Jun 2001 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Endometriosis
I congratulate Annabel Goldie on securing this debate. I also congratulate her and Elaine Smith on their passionate and informed speeches.
As I have a mother, a wife and a daughter, this issue is important to me, just as it is important to many of the women who are here today. I find it bizarre that in the 21st century, although this disease has been known for many decades—indeed, for many generations—we do not appear to have advanced very far in its diagnosis or treatment. It is extremely important not only that more resources are dedicated to research into this painful condition, but that we examine how other societies deal with it.
Unfortunately, it is clear that many women are ignorant of endometriosis. As has been said, many may have the disease but be unaware of it. As is the case in many debates that we have on health issues, it is clear that there is no joined-up thinking on this matter. There is no doubt that there are examples of best practice in Scotland and further afield, but we do not appear to be able to bring them together to ensure that the maximum number of women in Scotland benefit. If we can put a man on the moon, surely we must be able to find a cause and a cure for endometriosis. Perhaps we have not been looking hard enough.
I regret the fact that Scotland's first Parliament has not shown as much interest in endometriosis as it should have done. Only one parliamentary question has been asked about the condition—I am pleased that my colleague, Kay Ullrich, lodged that question. Some money is being dedicated to research, but £200,000 is insufficient to address the full implications of the condition.
Elaine Smith said that GPs need to be educated on the diagnosis of endometriosis if we are to avoid some of the problems that she mentioned in her speech. GPs must be taught to deal with the condition sensitively, particularly if it leads to infertility. That tragic circumstance has affected many women.
If we are to allow more women to go through life without having to endure this extremely painful condition, we must advance our knowledge of endometriosis and prioritise finding a cure and a better way of diagnosing it.
As I have a mother, a wife and a daughter, this issue is important to me, just as it is important to many of the women who are here today. I find it bizarre that in the 21st century, although this disease has been known for many decades—indeed, for many generations—we do not appear to have advanced very far in its diagnosis or treatment. It is extremely important not only that more resources are dedicated to research into this painful condition, but that we examine how other societies deal with it.
Unfortunately, it is clear that many women are ignorant of endometriosis. As has been said, many may have the disease but be unaware of it. As is the case in many debates that we have on health issues, it is clear that there is no joined-up thinking on this matter. There is no doubt that there are examples of best practice in Scotland and further afield, but we do not appear to be able to bring them together to ensure that the maximum number of women in Scotland benefit. If we can put a man on the moon, surely we must be able to find a cause and a cure for endometriosis. Perhaps we have not been looking hard enough.
I regret the fact that Scotland's first Parliament has not shown as much interest in endometriosis as it should have done. Only one parliamentary question has been asked about the condition—I am pleased that my colleague, Kay Ullrich, lodged that question. Some money is being dedicated to research, but £200,000 is insufficient to address the full implications of the condition.
Elaine Smith said that GPs need to be educated on the diagnosis of endometriosis if we are to avoid some of the problems that she mentioned in her speech. GPs must be taught to deal with the condition sensitively, particularly if it leads to infertility. That tragic circumstance has affected many women.
If we are to allow more women to go through life without having to endure this extremely painful condition, we must advance our knowledge of endometriosis and prioritise finding a cure and a better way of diagnosing it.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
The final item of business today is a members' business debate on motion S1M-1970, in the name of Miss Annabel Goldie, on endometriosis.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the debilitating effect which endometriosis has upon many women in Scotland; acknowledges the need for greater awareness of this di...
Miss Annabel Goldie (West of Scotland) (Con):
Con
I have pleasure in opening the debate on the motion in my name. I thank colleagues for supporting the motion and for being present. In particular, I thank th...
Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab):
Lab
I start, of course, by congratulating Annabel Goldie on securing this important debate. This is a subject that receives very little recognition and I believe...
Mr Kenneth Gibson (Glasgow) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Annabel Goldie on securing this debate. I also congratulate her and Elaine Smith on their passionate and informed speeches.As I have a mother,...
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
I, too, would like to thank Annabel Goldie for initiating this debate. Like her, I can barely pronounce the condition, let alone understand it—and even less ...
Elaine Smith:
Lab
Does Mary Scanlon agree that it is unacceptable that some health boards will help with fertility treatment and that others will not? Strangely, women who liv...
Mary Scanlon:
Con
The passion with which Elaine Smith speaks on this subject has been mentioned. I advise her that women from Wick and Skye in the Highland Health Board area m...
The Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care (Malcolm Chisholm):
Lab
I congratulate Annabel Goldie on obtaining today's debate, which will help to raise the profile of endometriosis in Scotland. The timing of the debate is app...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
SNP
That concludes this debate on endometriosis. To those who are now heading off, I wish you happy holidays.
Meeting closed at 17:36.