Braid Councillor Alan Barr has welcomed Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s recognition of the urgent need to improve women’s health following Endometriosis Awareness Month. He praised Health Minister Mike Nesbitt for making women’s health a clear priority across Northern Ireland.

Councillor Alan Barr said:

“Last night’s motion highlighted an issue affecting thousands of women across our community with unacceptably long waits for gynaecology services. This is not just a local problem; women in the Northern Trust area face the same challenges.

“Behind every waiting list statistic are real women living with chronic pain, uncertainty and conditions that worsen over time. These delays impact their physical and mental wellbeing, their ability to work and their family lives. Left unaddressed, they can lead to more complex health problems and even greater pressure on the health service.

“It goes without saying that women’s health has historically been under-prioritised. Too often symptoms have been dismissed or downplayed, and that has brought us to where we are today. Tackling waiting lists must go hand-in-hand with proper, sustained focus on women’s health across the entire system.

“I want to commend Minister Mike Nesbitt for the clear priority he has placed on this issue. While last night’s motion called for a plan, a structured and fully funded plan is already in place.

“Through the Elective Care Framework Implementation and Funding Plan, £3.5 million has been ring-fenced specifically for gynaecology, targeting more than 4,000 additional assessments and 900 treatments. This sits within ambitious, measurable targets; a 40% reduction in waiting lists by March 2027 and further significant cuts thereafter providing both a clear pathway and real accountability.

“This work is being guided by the Getting It Right First Time report for gynaecology, which sets out how services can be improved across all Trusts through better coordination and regional collaboration. The new Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum is already driving forward these improvements at both local and regional level.

“However, we must be honest: this is not only a funding issue. Workforce pressures, theatre capacity and diagnostics must all be addressed. That is why a truly regional approach making the best use of resources right across Northern Ireland will be essential.

“I fully support the direction set by the Minister. The focus now must be on maintaining momentum and delivering real, tangible improvements for the women who depend on these services.”