BORDERS MSP Rachael Hamilton has secured a meeting with Scottish Government ministers to discuss endometriosis treatment in the Borders.

In the Scottish Parliament last Wednesday, Ms Hamilton requested that the government establish a specialist endometriosis clinic in the Borders.

She also asked if ministers would meet with her and local campaigners to discuss local healthcare treatment for the condition, which affects approximately 1 in 10 women.

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Scottish Government Women's Health Minister Jenni Minto said there were no plans to set up a clinic in every health board but did agree to meet with Ms Hamilton and local campaigners.

The Borders campaign group, Endo SOS, say that a specialist endometriosis clinic would “save money for patients and the NHS.”

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They added “travel times are reduced, missed appointments are lower, and referrals to specialist care are faster.”

Ms Hamilton said: “I’m pleased to have secured this meeting between local campaigners and a Scottish Government minister as this crucial issue is going overlooked.

“Women are left to suffer for far too long before they receive diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis.

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“This is a national problem but it is particularly bad in the Borders and rural areas.

“A specialist clinic should be established locally to reduce waiting times for women in need of urgent care.

“I look forward to continuing to work with local campaigners to tackle the appalling suffering many women are going through while waiting on essential healthcare.”