New specialist nurse role supports patients with endometriosis

Jane Snasdell has been appointed to a new role as a specialist nurse for the endometriosis service at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, one of only two centres in East Anglia that treat the condition.

Jane was previously the ward sister for the hospital’s Cley Ward which treats women for gynaecological conditions. She said: Women with endometriosis often have to consider surgery as part of the plan for managing this painful and often debilitating condition. It is important that we support women to make the right choices for them about their health. I hope that through my expanded role I will be able to help women on their treatment journey and empower them to be fully involved in their care.

Mr Edward Morris, a consultant gynaecologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, who specialises in minimal access (keyhole) surgery, said: “I am delighted to have Jane on the team and know that with her knowledge and experience women who suffer from endometriosis will benefit from her support. Jane will also be involved in helping us perform research into some of the novel treatments for endometriosis”

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape and so it can cause irritation and damage to the structures in the pelvis.

It is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause pain with or without or heavy periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems. Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with the condition. For more information, go to www.endometriosis-uk.org