One year later, still waiting - why we need a National Inquiry

A year ago today, I flew to Romania seeking endometriosis care. I had to crowdfund towards the cost, publicly exposing my vulnerability because I could not access the care I needed in Ireland.

Twelve months later, I am still searching for a multidisciplinary team able to treat my complex disease.

On Monday, following a GP referral for emergency assessment with concern about my remaining ovary, I travelled from Kerry to Cork. Three private hospitals had told us they would not accept endometriosis patients. I returned home from the public hospital without an ultrasound or a physical examination.

Almost one year on from the endometriosis framework, where is the clear pathway for complex patients? Who coordinates our care when we are told we are too complex for a team?

Yesterday’s Budget announced €10 extra a week in core welfare payments, €3 extra for living alone and a €500 cost-of-disability payment. These supports matter, but they do not resolve the cost of delayed healthcare.

I am already falling short by approximately €500 a month. Delays limit my ability to work and earn, while consultations and care abroad require money upfront.

In 2018, securing Disability Allowance took repeated appeals and legal intervention. What happens to patients who cannot access legal help or are too ill to keep fighting?

We need a National Inquiry into endometriosis care in Ireland - including delayed diagnosis and treatment, fertility loss, access to multidisciplinary teams, patient complaints and the financial consequences of being left without care.

Read my full account:
https://doireannbarrett.substack.com/p/a-year-ago-today-i-flew-to-romania

Please watch RTÉ Investigates: Fertility Uncovered tonight, Wednesday 7 October, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

Thank you for supporting this petition. Please share it and help keep patients’ experiences at the centre of the discussion:
https://www.change.org/Irish_Endometriosis_Inquiry