On Tuesday 9th June, the APPG on PCOS held its Annual General Meeting in Portcullis House, marking one year since the Group’s inauguration.
During the meeting, members formally reconstituted the APPG for the coming parliamentary year and re-elected Michelle Welsh MP as Chair, alongside Kirsteen Sullivan MP, Freddie van Mierlo MP andSir Alec Shelbrooke as Officers.
The Group reflected on a productive first year, which included publication of its landmark inquiry report, Breaking the Cycle, engagement with Government and NHS England, and parliamentary activity to raise awareness of PCOS as a chronic, multisystem condition affecting around one in eight women.
Members also discussed the recent international renaming of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Syndrome (PMOS). The Group agreed that this represents an important opportunity to improve understanding of the condition and ensure it is recognised more accurately within policy, commissioning and healthcare systems. The Group is therefore formally renamed the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS/PCOS).
Looking ahead, the APPG agreed to focus on implementation of its recommendations, including supporting the development of a national care pathway, improving data and coding, strengthening workforce training, and ensuring PMOS is appropriately reflected within national policy and NHS delivery.
The Group looks forward to continuing to work with parliamentarians, clinicians, NHS leaders and patient organisations to improve outcomes for those affected by PMOS.