Date of release: 29 March 2023
A new role has been created at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) to improve awareness and diagnosis of endometriosis for women across the city.
Yasmin Walker has become the Trust’s first Clinical Nurse Specialist for endometriosis and is the first port-of-call for patients either diagnosed with the condition or awaiting a diagnosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue in the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can affect females of any age, including teenagers and affects around 1.5 million women.
Having worked in healthcare since 1997, Yasmin was keen to take on a new challenge before finishing nursing and wanted to make a real difference. When this brand-new role appeared at RWT, she jumped at the opportunity.
“I know a lot of women with symptoms of endometriosis who haven’t been diagnosed, so I’m hoping my new role will improve the lack of awareness, help drive change and be the reassurance they need,” said Yasmin, who lives in Stafford.
“Within the next few months, I’m hoping to set up my endometriosis lifestyle clinic for patients which entails discussions on how to not only manage the pain, but to improve their mental health too.”
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women and the most common symptoms are:
- pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
- period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- pain during or after sex
- pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee or poo during your period
- difficulty getting pregnant
A helpline has recently been created by Yasmin for her patients to call between Wednesday-Friday, 1pm-3pm, if they need somebody to talk to about managing their pain or any guidance.
She said: “I have quite a few patients on my list and I’m hoping to raise awareness across the Trust for my fellow female colleagues too. I’d suggest to anybody with symptoms of endometriosis to keep a pain diary before contacting their GP, so their doctor can see when the pain persists during each month.
“Once a referral has been made, they will receive an appointment from myself and my colleagues within Gynaecology to kickstart the tests to diagnose and treat their endometriosis. Not only am I making a difference to other people’s lives, but my own life too. Over the last few weeks, I’ve felt a real boost in confidence as I’ve been networking with other Trusts to try to create a collaborative approach to raising awareness of endometriosis.”
Rosie Malhas, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at RWT has wanted to create this role for several years and is looking forward to working with Yasmin to provide support for women diagnosed with endometriosis.
She said: “We are hoping to establish a new endometriosis centre in the future and Yasmin’s role will be integral in supporting our patients throughout their journey.
“She brings a massive amount of enthusiasm and drive to Gynaecology and is already a real asset to our patients and members of staff.”
Anyone who has symptoms of endometriosis should contact their GP for support in the first instance.
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Notes to Editor
- For further information, please call Molly Aston 07825858049 or email m.aston1@nhs.net
