MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 February 2025
ENDOMETRIOSIS AUSTRALIA WELCOMES LANDMARK SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REPORT AND CALLS FOR NATIONAL ACTION
Endometriosis Australia (EA) warmly welcomes the landmark report on endometriosis delivered by the South Australian Government following its comprehensive inquiry into the devastating condition that affects 1 in 7 Australian women and those presumed female at birth.
The inquiry, which gathered evidence from patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers, has highlighted critical gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and support services that leave many people with endometriosis waiting years for proper care.
“This groundbreaking report confirms what our community has been experiencing for decades – unacceptable wait times, dismissal of symptoms, and inadequate healthcare pathways for those with endometriosis,” said Donna Ciccia, Director and Co-founder of Endometriosis Australia.
The report reveals that many South Australians are waiting up to 6 years for diagnosis, with some facing additional years of delay to access surgical treatment. The Parliamentary Select Committee’s ambitious goal to reduce diagnosis time from 6 years to just 1 year directly aligns with the mission Endometriosis Australia was established to advocate for.
“Since our founding, Endometriosis Australia has worked tirelessly to improve diagnosis times, enhance clinical care, and increase research funding. This report validates our approach and provides a blueprint for the systemic changes needed across Australia,” said Ciccia.
We particularly acknowledge the tireless advocacy of Endometriosis Australia’s Ambassador Deanna Wallis, whose personal journey and commitment to improving outcomes for all with endometriosis in South Australia has been instrumental in driving this inquiry forward.
“Deanna’s courage in sharing her story and her persistent advocacy has helped bring endometriosis out of the shadows in South Australia. Her contribution to this inquiry has been invaluable and will benefit countless patients,” said Ciccia.
The report makes several key recommendations including:
- Increased training for healthcare professionals
- Support for endometriosis and chronic pain clinics
- Development of multidisciplinary care models
- Improved emergency department responses to endometriosis cases
- Public health campaigns to raise awareness
- Specific Medicare item numbers for endometriosis diagnostic imaging
“We thank our dedicated ambassadors, generous fundraisers, and committed partners who have been the driving force behind this change. Their collective efforts have raised awareness, funded critical research, and given voice to those suffering in silence,” Ciccia added.
Endometriosis Australia is now calling on all state and territory governments to follow South Australia’s lead by conducting similar inquiries and integrating the learnings into health policy.
“This report provides a template for action that all governments should adopt. Endometriosis doesn’t respect state borders, and neither should quality care,” said Ciccia.
“While we’ve seen progress through the National Action Plan for Endometriosis, this report demonstrates that much more still needs to be done at both state and federal levels to address the immense burden of this disease.”
Endometriosis Australia stands ready to work with all governments to implement the recommendations of the South Australian report and ensure that no patient faces delayed diagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, or inadequate treatment options.
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About Endometriosis Australia:
Endometriosis Australia is the peak body for endometriosis in Australia. Since 2013, the organisation has been leading the charge nationally and internationally in raising awareness and understanding of endometriosis. Endometriosis Australia advocated for and supported the development of Australia’s first National Action Plan for Endometriosis (NAPE), aimed at improving patient and medical community understanding of the disease. This was a continuation of the organisation driving the first discussion of endometriosis in Parliament in 2017. Endometriosis Australia is a nationally accredited charity that raises awareness, educates and funds research for endometriosis. We are committed to empowering patients with the knowledge to be in control of their healthcare and promoting patient-centred care solutions.
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