Media Statement
Endometriosis New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s announcement that Health New Zealand will adapt the RANZCOG Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis for use in New Zealand, calling it a major breakthrough for endometriosis care.
Chief Executive Tanya Cooke says the decision is a big win and the culmination of sustained advocacy by Endometriosis New Zealand to have international clinical best practice implemented in Aotearoa.
“This is an extremely significant announcement for the more than 120,000 New Zealanders living with endometriosis and one we have been working really hard to achieve,” says Chief Executive Tanya Cooke.
“We have been calling on the Government and Health New Zealand to replace the outdated 2020 Guideline with the new Living Evidence Guideline and to ensure it is properly implemented here.”
“We are delighted the Government has listened.”
The RANZCOG Guideline, already being used in Australia, supports clinical diagnosis based on symptoms, examination and medical history alongside better use of diagnostic imaging, rather than requiring laparoscopic surgery to confirm endometriosis. Importantly, it also promotes earlier access to treatment once endometriosis is suspected.
“New Zealanders currently wait a median of 10 years for an endometriosis diagnosis, often while living with significant pain and impacts on their quality of life. Moving away from the idea that surgery must be the gateway to a diagnosis has the potential to make a big difference,” Cooke says.
“Being able to start treatment once endometriosis is suspected also means patients can begin managing their symptoms much earlier than is currently the case.”
The new Guideline also provides guidance across areas including adenomyosis, adolescent care, multidisciplinary management, fertility, pain management and ongoing support.
“This is about enabling endometriosis to be recognised earlier, treatment to begin sooner and people to receive appropriate care without having to spend years fighting with the system before their condition is taken seriously.”
Endometriosis New Zealand Clinical Advisory Committee Chair Dr Michael Wynn-Williams says another major advantage is that the RANZCOG Guideline is a living evidence guideline, designed to evolve as the evidence does.
“Endometriosis care is changing rapidly. Imaging is improving, research is developing and new approaches to diagnosis, treatment and multidisciplinary care continue to emerge,” Dr Wynn-Williams says. “A living guideline that can be regularly reviewed and updated allows clinical practice to keep pace with that evidence.”
Endometriosis New Zealand is now working with Health New Zealand, RANZCOG and others on adapting the RANZCOG Guideline for New Zealand and ensuring it can be effectively implemented across the health system.
Cooke says that implementation work will be critical.
“We are particularly pleased the Government has recognised that publishing a Guideline alone will not change outcomes. The commitment to primary care training, education resources and improved pain management support is essential.”
“Our focus now is working with Health New Zealand to make sure the RANZCOG Guideline translates into real changes in what happens when someone walks into a GP clinic with symptoms of endometriosis.
“Clinicians need the knowledge and confidence to use the new Guideline, referral and diagnostic pathways need to support it, and imaging and specialist services need sufficient capacity.
“The priority is to make sure this Guideline delivers the improvement in diagnosis, treatment and care that people with endometriosis have waited far too long for.”
About Endometriosis New Zealand
Endometriosis New Zealand is the national organisation for endometriosis – dedicated to providing support, advocacy, research, information, education, and awareness on endometriosis. We are committed to improving the lives of individuals impacted by this condition and helping them find a way forward with hope and strength.