What is the current state of gynecology waiting lists in Northern Ireland?

As of January 2026, nearly 60,000 women in Northern Ireland are on gynecology waiting lists, marking a significant increase and highlighting a crisis in care.

How does endometriosis affect young women waiting for surgery?

Young women like Laura Maguire are forced into early menopause and experience severe pain, described as 'barbed wire,' due to long waits for essential endometriosis surgery.

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Endometriosis Wait: Barbed Wire Pain for Years

Q: What is the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists calling for?

The RCOG is urging for immediate action and increased investment to tackle capacity challenges and reduce the critical waiting times for women's gynecological care across the UK.

8 Jan

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Summary

Young women endure medically induced menopause while awaiting long surgeries.
Nearly 60,000 women in Northern Ireland are on gynecology waiting lists.
Pain described as 'barbed wire' affects patients awaiting treatment.

Endometriosis Wait: Barbed Wire Pain for Years

A critical shortage in gynecology services is forcing young women to endure excruciating pain and medically induced menopause while awaiting life-changing surgeries. For instance, Laura Maguire, 25, faces a potential multi-year wait for endometriosis treatment, experiencing pain she likens to having barbed wire within her body. This situation is mirrored across Northern Ireland, where 59,733 women are currently on gynecology waiting lists, an alarming 18% increase over the past year.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has declared the UK-wide situation a crisis, with Northern Ireland facing the longest waits. Patients describe prolonged suffering, with some waiting up to 20 years for a diagnosis and even longer for surgery. Marie Brown from Belfast shared her two-decade wait for diagnosis and subsequent unsuccessful surgery, leading to medical retirement and a ruined life.