Laois Woman Wants Answers From HSE After Midlands Hospital Visit

Portlaoise's Hayley Dunne has a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

A Laois woman is fighting for answers as to what is causing her sudden severe pain and discomfort.

Portlaoise's Hayley Dunne has a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, and has been in hospital since Tuesday after experiencing strong stomach pain and unexplained bleeding.

Doctors had assumed it was her appendix and had cleared her medically to go home after a clear CT scan, only to be told the radiologist had observed free fluid in her pelvis.

Ms Dunne was told they believed it could be due to a ruptured cyst, and has been repeatedly refused an outpatient gynecologist appointment.

She says she's trying to figure out the next step:

Statement from the HSE below:

The HSE cannot comment on individual patient cases in order to protect patient confidentiality and privacy.

Generally, women with suspected or diagnosed gynaecological conditions, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), may be referred by their GP or treating clinician to specialist gynaecology services. Patients presenting to an Emergency Department are assessed and treated according to their presenting symptoms, with decisions regarding specialist review, admission or outpatient follow-up made by the treating clinical team based on their clinical assessment and the most appropriate care pathway.

PCOS can present with a range of symptoms, including irregular or absent periods, and many women may be referred to gynaecology services for further assessment and management.

Since 2020, the HSE has expanded access to gynaecology care through a network of 18 See and Treat Ambulatory Gynaecology Services, which are designed to provide assessment, investigation and, where appropriate, treatment as part of a single episode of care.

Noting the concerns raised, MRHP will review the current care pathway for women with PCOS requiring gynaecology services. Any opportunities for learning identified through this review will be used to support ongoing service improvement and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care pathway.

Patients who have concerns regarding their care are encouraged to discuss these with their healthcare team in the first instance or through the HSE's Your Service Your Say feedback process.