New regional menopause clinic to be located in University Hospital Galway

Confirmed by Chief Operating Officer of the Saolta Group, Ann Cogrove, the new clinic will be rolled out as part of gynaecology services after funding was given by head office.

“This is a specialist service for women with additional needs around menopause care,” she stated.

The funding was for the recruitment of a part-time consultant and a full-time nurse, both with specialist training.

“The cost for access will be in line with other services available in an outpatient setting,” she stated.

Hailed by County Councillor Evelyn Parsons as “a good news day for women of the West and women of the region”, she said she was delighted to finally get news of the clinic after asking for it for 18 months.

Ms Cosgrove said Saolta applications for the posts would be advertised shortly and may involve clinicians working in other settings.

“In reality, it will be the end of the third quarter, some time in early Autumn, before we have this up and running because the time it takes to get people appointed.”

Cllr Parsons, who is a GP, asked about the current difficulties obtaining prescribed HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) medications for menopause and when the shortages would be resolved.

“This shortage of HRT products has led to women stop starting medications and being plunged into symptoms.”

Ms Cosgrove said while it was the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) that was responsible for coordinating the management of shortages of medicines on the Irish market, she confirmed there were ongoing shortages of the Estrdot Transdermal Patch.

“The resupply of the full Estradot range is expected in July 2022. Evorel 50 mcg transdermal patch returned to stock in February,” she stated.

“Shortages of medicinal products containing HRT have been reported in a number of countries recently, including Ireland. Suppliers have stated that recent shortages relate to an unexpected increase in demand.”

Ms Cosgrove informed councillors that no confirmation had yet been received about a postnatal hub or expanded endometriosis services in the Saolta region.

“A business case to support development of a postnatal hub is being finalised to submit to the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) for consideration for the Galway City and Sligo Town area,” she revealed.