ESAIS approval must lead to access to care

My approval under the Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme (ESAIS) remains valid, but I still have no workable pathway to the specialist treatment my complex case requires.

That is the issue at the heart of this update. An approval letter does not resolve the barriers to care if a patient cannot access a suitable surgical team or afford the upfront costs involved.

Following my enquiry about a centre in Warsaw, ESAIS confirmed in writing that the centre is not on its approved list. Its response also described information about reimbursement at that centre under ESAIS as “factually inaccurate” and stated that no patients have been reimbursed under the scheme for treatment there.

Patients need clear, accurate and consistent information from ESAIS about where they can receive treatment, what is covered and how they are expected to finance access to care.

I have now written to the Office of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health requesting urgent intervention. I have asked who will take responsibility for coordinating an appropriate treatment pathway and how we are going to proceed. I have also highlighted that my previous emails to their offices on this urgent matter have received no response.

I am currently researching specialist treatment in the USA and seeking confirmation of whether my private insurer can pay the treating clinic directly. I cannot afford to fund medical treatment upfront and wait for reimbursement.

I have requested government funding for flights, suitable postoperative accommodation and necessary out-of-pocket expenses. I intend to remain close to the treating clinic for the medically advised recovery period, anticipated to be at least one month, subject to the treating team’s assessment.

I will attend my appointment with the supra-regional endometriosis service on Monday and seek clarity about what care it can provide.

Patients should not be left to coordinate complex international treatment and find money they do not have while seriously unwell.

This petition continues because we need timely, appropriately skilled and financially accessible care. ESAIS must be judged by whether it delivers that care in practice.

Please continue to sign and share. Thank you for your continued support.