AQW 47418/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to decrease delays between symptoms to diagnosis for coeliac disease.

Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 29 May 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
29 May 2026
Answer due by
15 June 2026
Answered
29 June 202631 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

Patients who may have coeliac disease will generally present in the first instance to their GP practice, where primary care professionals will assess symptoms and consider coeliac disease as part of differential diagnosis.

Established pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.

My Department continues to engage with professional regulatory and standard‑setting bodies to implement service improvements which support awareness, diagnosis, treatment and condition management.

Ongoing education and training ensure that both primary and secondary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.

Official sources