A woman in Medway is campaigning for the creation of specialized wellbeing hubs to provide support for individuals suffering from endometriosis. The proposed hubs would offer a safe space for sharing experiences and include fitness facilities, alongside a call for increased funding for diagnosis and treatment.
Jessica Lewis, 25, shared her experience of living with endometriosis, having been diagnosed two years after first experiencing symptoms at age 14. She described the pain as "excruciating" and noted its significant impact on her daily life, making her "dread" activities she once anticipated. According to her NHS records, Lewis consulted doctors 22 times before receiving a diagnosis following surgery in 2024.
"I would love for there to be actual change within the NHS in terms of how medical professionals are trained. I would love to see more funding for it," Lewis stated, echoing the need for greater resources and improved medical education on the condition.
Christiana Hansen, another individual affected by endometriosis, also expressed support for the initiative, envisioning a local wellbeing hub that would serve as a sanctuary for those sharing similar experiences, complemented by a fitness center. Hansen emphasized the importance of increased funding for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.
Tristan Osborne, the local Member of Parliament for Chatham and Aylesford, has voiced his support for the proposal. He believes that establishing a hub specifically for women's and girls' health issues is both practical and appropriate, given the existence of other wellbeing centers. Osborne indicated his intention to collaborate with Medway and Tonbridge and Malling councils to explore the feasibility of implementing similar provisions in those areas.