Women left waiting years in pain as councillor calls for urgent investment in gynaecology services

TUV Bannside councillor Anne Henry

Thousands of women across Northern Ireland are enduring years of debilitating pain before they even see a specialist, a Mid and East Antrim councillor has warned, as new figures expose the scale of waiting lists in gynaecology services.

Data released by the Department of Health in June 2025 shows tens of thousands of women are currently waiting for their first outpatient appointment with a gynaecology consultant across the region.

The figures reveal significant backlogs across several health trusts:

• Belfast Trust – 6,654 women waiting for a first outpatient appointment

• Northern Trust – 11,854 women waiting

• South Eastern Trust – 14,725 women waiting

In the South Eastern Trust, the average wait for a first appointment is approaching two years. Some women are waiting more than six years simply to see a consultant for the first time — before any scans, surgery or active treatment can even begin.

Mid and East Antrim councillor Anna Henry said the statistics reflect the reality many women face across Northern Ireland.

“For years, women have been suffering in silence. These numbers are not abstract — behind every figure is someone trying to hold down a job, complete an education, raise a family, or simply function day-to-day while managing debilitating pain.”

The councillor has also shared her own personal experience of living with severe pelvic pain since she was 14.

“As I got older fainting, vomiting and missing university became a monthly occurrence because the pain was so intense. When I first went to my GP as a teenager, I was refused medication and told I was ‘too hormonal already’. For years, I felt dismissed.”

In 2025, she was eventually seen by an NHS gynaecologist who took her concerns seriously and carried out laparoscopic surgery.

“As a result of the outcome of that procedure I found myself questioning my consultant about any and all procedures or treatment plans that would ease the symptoms sufficiently”.

She is now undergoing treatment designed to temporarily induce menopause in order to control her symptoms, while also managing hormone replacement therapy in her twenties.

“No woman should have to chemically induce menopause in her twenties simply to function. No woman should feel that major surgery is her only remaining option.”

Councillor Henry said the scale of waiting lists highlights deep strain within Northern Ireland’s health system.

“Nearly 12,000 women are waiting in the Northern Trust alone. In the South Eastern Trust, some are waiting beyond six years just for a first appointment. These are not minor complaints — these are chronic, life-altering conditions impacting mental health, careers and quality of life.”

She also thanked Timothy Gaston MLA for assisting in raising the issue with the Health Minister through formal questions at Stormont.

“I want to place on record my thanks to Timothy Gaston MLA for supporting efforts to bring these issues before the Health Minister. Scrutiny and transparency are essential if we are to drive meaningful change.”

Speaking during Endometriosis Awareness Month, Councillor Henry said open discussion about women’s health experiences is essential if services are to improve.

“I am not sharing my experience for sympathy. I am sharing it because, after speaking to young girls and women across our communities, it is clear this is a widespread issue. I want to use my position to raise awareness and push for reform.

“I want to hear from anyone who has experienced gynaecology services in Northern Ireland — whether your experience was positive or negative.

“If you felt dismissed, I want to know. If you felt listened to and supported, I want to know that too.

“We cannot improve services unless we are honest about what women are experiencing.”

Councillor Henry is encouraging anyone willing to share their experiences of gynaecology services in Northern Ireland to contact her directly at Cllr.Henry@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

At a glance

• Thousands of women across Northern Ireland are waiting years for a first appointment with a gynaecology consultant.

• Department of Health figures show 6,654 women waiting in the Belfast Trust, 11,854 in the Northern Trust and 14,725 in the South Eastern Trust.

• Some patients in the South Eastern Trust are waiting more than six years just to see a consultant for the first time.

• Mid and East Antrim councillor Anna Henry shared her own experience of severe pelvic pain since her teenage years.

• She is currently undergoing treatment to temporarily induce menopause while managing hormone replacement therapy in her twenties.

• The councillor says long waits are affecting women’s mental health, careers and quality of life.

• She is urging women to share their experiences to help highlight the need for reform in gynaecology services.