The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust team celebrated the reaccreditation of their Endometriosis Centre, a prestigious national recognition highlighting their exceptional care for patients. This marks the second consecutive year that the trust has been acknowledged for its outstanding commitment to supporting those affected by endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women or people assigned female at birth of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus—commonly in the pelvis, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and bowel—causing pain and other debilitating symptoms.
Symptoms typically include pelvic or lower abdominal pain, fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding, nausea, and infertility. With no known cure, many patients require long-term management to maintain quality of life.
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Despite its prevalence—affecting over 1.5 million individuals in the UK—awareness of endometriosis and its profound impact remains limited. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust aims to change this through a holistic, patient-centred approach.
Hayley Waghorn, the trust’s dedicated endometriosis nurse specialist, expressed pride in her team’s dedication. “We lost our accreditation during the COVID-19 pandemic when reduced operations limited our service. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to regain and enhance our care provision,” she explains.
Her efforts included integrating specialist services such as pelvic health physiotherapy, pain management, and crucially, nutritional support—vital components that complete the holistic care model valued by reaccreditation bodies.
“Not every patient requires or desires surgery,” Waghorn adds. “Our approach is to empower patients by addressing their overall health and ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout their journey.”
Her role extends beyond nursing; as a surgical first assistant, she provides continuity of care before and after operations, fostering trusted relationships over months or years.
The endometriosis team includes consultants in obstetrics and gynecology, urology, and colorectal surgery, alongside dedicated pelvic physiotherapists and pain specialists. Collaboration extends to radiologists who convene regularly to discuss complex cases, ensuring thorough assessment before surgical intervention.
Moreover, the trust has partnered with the Somerset Sports Activity Partnership to offer a six-week program supporting endometriosis patients in safely returning to physical activity and optimizing nutrition.
While maintaining Centre status, the multidisciplinary team members also contribute their expertise to other services across the trust, demonstrating a broad commitment to patient care.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s reaccreditation as a nationally recognised Endometriosis Centre underscores its ongoing commitment to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and personalised care for people living with this challenging condition.