Amsterdam UMC and Flevo Hospital, Almere, are launching Endometriose Groot Amsterdam (EGA) to improve care for women with endometriosis. EGA was officially inaugurated with a symposium on Wednesday, June 26, by the chairmen of the Boards of Directors, Hans van Goudoever and Marc Seelen. Amsterdam UMC focuses on complex surgeries and women with very complicated problems who cannot be treated elsewhere in the Netherlands. Flevo Hospital will provide faster assistance to patients with moderately complex problems. Gynecologist Velja Mijatovic from Amsterdam UMC and affiliated with the Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute emphasizes: "Endometriosis is a condition that often causes years of complaints and personal suffering. EGA will help these women better and faster."
Groundbreaking
Endometriose Groot Amsterdam believes that endometriosis care can be improved by reducing waiting times to 6-8 weeks and promoting cooperation with other hospitals in the region. Gynecologist Marchien van Baal from Flevo Hospital states: “By operating together, teaching together, and conducting groundbreaking research, care improves and new treatments are developed.” Endometriose Groot Amsterdam has already developed new apps for both patients and caregivers, which help to detect endometriosis earlier and improve patient guidance. Earlier diagnosis and faster treatment prevent irreversible damage.
Collaboration
EGA works closely with the Endometriosis Foundation and other interest groups. The goal is for women with endometriosis to experience less discomfort from the disease, allowing them to develop better in their social and professional lives. Velja Mijatovic: "This meets the wishes of patients and politicians to better organize endometriosis care, to diagnose earlier so the best treatment can start sooner. We will also treat women with very complex problems who currently cannot find help anywhere else in the Netherlands.”
Social Impact
Recent research shows that the impact of female-specific conditions such as menstrual complaints and endometriosis is much greater than previously thought. Gynecologist Judith Huirne from Amsterdam UMC and chair of the NVOG umbrella Science emphasizes: “The societal impact of these conditions is enormous. The costs due to care and related absenteeism are estimated to cost our society 5.2 billion euros annually. The long time to correct diagnosis and treatment significantly contributes to this. We must also take institutional responsibility by organizing care better.” This aligns with the call from outgoing minister Pia Dijkstra to leaders and institutions to prioritize female-specific conditions more.