Jersey has introduced a trial health screening clinic dedicated to women with PMOS, a metabolic condition that affects how the ovaries function and is associated with infertility and weight gain. The condition, which impacts up to one in eight women, was renamed from PCOS in May to better reflect its status as a whole-body disorder rather than only a reproductive issue.
The new clinic, which will operate at the Assisted Reproductive Unit in St Brelade starting in October, will focus on screening and coordination of care rather than diagnosis or primary treatment. Women must first consult their general practitioner to be referred to the service. The government emphasized that the clinic will not increase existing waiting lists, as additional clinical capacity has been secured. During visits, women will have access to investigations including ultrasound scans and endometrial biopsies that cannot typically be performed at standard GP appointments.
Screening clinic nurse Corrinne Purdy outlined the comprehensive approach, explaining that reviews will encompass medication management, mental health discussions, sleep assessment, height and weight monitoring, and discussions about fertility goals. The clinic aligns with draft guidance from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which recommends annual checks to identify the various health complications associated with this complex condition.
Jessica Pinel, chair of PMOS Jersey and someone diagnosed with the condition in 2023, described the initiative as “a good start” while noting that additional support is warranted. She highlighted that cost can present a barrier to care and praised the clinic’s integration within the government health system, which enables referrals to specialists in endocrinology, dermatology, and other fields. Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services Andy Howell stated that the clinic demonstrates the government’s commitment to taking PMOS seriously and that funding would be managed within existing budgets without additional cost.
Both officials and patient advocates indicated that the clinic’s success will be evaluated based on user feedback, with the intention of refining services to optimize support for women living with PMOS.
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