Wales' largest specialist endometriosis centre is at risk of losing crucial accreditation. University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, along with Singleton Hospital in Swansea and units across the Aneurin Bevan health board area, are Wales' only NHS British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE)-accredited tertiary endometriosis centres for patients with severe endometriosis.
Risk of losing accreditation by December 2026
A Cardiff and Vale health board risk register acknowledges that there is a risk of the Cardiff unit losing accreditation by December 2026. The document says it is "due to insufficient workforce, theatre capacity and multidisciplinary support" and if it lost the accreditation, it would result in major financial, clinical and reputational consequences for the organisation. Losing that accreditation "would lead to an impact/effect to the organisation which will result in major financial, clinical and reputational consequences, and the closure of the largest tertiary endometriosis centre in Wales".
The register also notes that no identified finances are available to resolve the risk. Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. It can cause severe pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex, bowel and bladder symptoms, fatigue and fertility problems.
Petition and diagnosis times
Endometriosis is one of the areas of the women's health plan published by the last Welsh Government. A petition against the closure of the Cardiff centre has more than 11,000 signatures. Petitions with 10,000 or more names are considered by the petitions committee for a debate in the Senedd. There has long been campaigning that there needs to be better earlier recognition and better access to specialist support.
In March, a report from Endometriosis UK found the average time for diagnosis, between attending a GP with symptoms and diagnosis, was 9 years 11 months in 2025, with no improvement since the equivalent figure in 2023, and worse than in 2020 when it was nine years. At that time, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said underlying capacity issues in gynaecological staffing and theatre capacity needed to be improved, as did research and more effective treatments.
Health board and government response
Executive medical director at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, David Fluck, said: "Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is committed to providing high-quality care for women and people with endometriosis. We recognise the importance of BSGE accreditation and are committed to maintaining accreditation. We understand that any uncertainty around the service may understandably cause concern for patients and their loved ones."
"We want to reassure patients that our endometriosis service is a core-funded health board service. We are working towards longer-term service sustainability and improvement in line with the women's health plan, with the needs of our patients at the heart of these discussions. We understand the significant impact endometriosis can have on people's lives and remain committed to continuing to provide patients with the high standard of care and support they deserve."
"With regards to the online petition, the fact that it has garnered so much support demonstrates how important it is that we are able to provide these vital services to our endometriosis patients. However, it should be noted that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is not the only tertiary accredited centre in Wales. Accredited services are also available at Swansea Bay and Aneurin Bevan University Health Boards."
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "The deputy minister for Women's Health has sought assurance from the health board that accreditation of the Cardiff endometriosis centre will be maintained and has set our expectation that this happens before December. We are committed to improving support for women with endometriosis across Wales and are strengthening delivery of the women's health plan to improve services. We will continue to work closely with NHS Wales to support service improvement."
