Oldham Organisation Backs Push For Dedicated Endometriosis Clinics

An Oldham community care provider has become the first organisation to back a UK campaign calling for specialist endometriosis health clinics.

REEL CIC has agreed to collaborate with local charity Endometriosis Awareness North, to create centres where everything from scanning for the condition to giving mental health support for victims will take place.

The country currently has 208 specialist stroke and 108 diabetes centres. But despite affecting one in ten women of childbearing age and resulting in bleeding and pelvic pain, there are currently no such clinics for women with endometriosis.

Local charity Endometriosis Awareness North have described this situation as "an example of a rampant misogyny in healthcare."

And they are delighted that REEL CIC, who have contributed so much in Oldham to improving communities and solving problems such as domestic violence, have joined them to "push the endometriosis envelope."

Dr Anita Sharma, founder of Endometriosis Awareness North said: "Women deserve timely diagnosis, compassionate care, and specialist support. We won't stop until that becomes the norm – and we now have a superb ally in REEL CIC. Community partnerships like this are how real change begins."

The partnership between two of the boroughs most active campaigns was formulated at a women's health and wellbeing event held at Nelson Way Community Centre, Chadderton.

Director of Engagement for REEL CIC, Charlene Burns, is widely recognised for her leadership in women's health across Oldham, and continues to champion community driven initiatives that support and empower local females.

Her work through REEL CIC has been instrumental in addressing health inequalities and improving access to vital information and support.

This really chimed with Endometriosis Awareness North who told a packed house all about the impact of endometriosis, the challenges faced by women seeking diagnosis, and their charity's mission to improve awareness, education, and access to specialist care.

The Andy Burnham endorsed charity also exclusively revealed that they will be presenting evidence of a North-South divide in endo care at the House of Commons in October.

"If we look at diabetes clinics, they offer bespoke check-ups, specialist advice, education and support groups, plus regular appointments delivered by nurses, dietitians, and specialists, to ensure comprehensive care" said Dr Sharma.

"We need that same approach with endometriosis. Surely it beats endless visits to the GP and Accident and Emergency, and years of waiting in agonising pain for a proper diagnosis."

Please email endometriosisawarenessnorth@gmail.com for more information.

Learn more about Endometriosis Awareness North, by going to

https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/