09/03/2026
Staff Profile Q&A: Kate Batchelor, Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialist
Newly appointed Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialist Kate Batchelor talks about her role in improving, developing and shaping endometriosis services for women in the Western Trust area.
I am delighted to be joining the Western Trust and the Endometriosis Service, particularly as March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month. This is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on a condition that affects so many women, and to champion earlier diagnosis, ongoing research, high-quality care, improved workplace support, and the reduction of stigma and misconceptions.
I look forward to bringing the experience I gained while working in a specialist endometriosis centre in England into the service here. I am committed to continually developing my knowledge and practice by keeping up to date with the latest guidance and evidence, ensuring that the care and management we provide within the WHSCT reflects best practice.
I am proud to be working alongside two highly experienced and equally passionate endometriosis specialists. Together, we are committed to continuously improving, developing, and shaping our endometriosis centre to meet the needs of women across the Western Trust and Northern Ireland.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am from Derry and studied in Liverpool and Manchester. I initially chose to do biomedical science with the aim of achieving a role in research specifically around genetic conditions. When I decided to start over and become a nurse, I knew I wanted to work in women’s health. Again this was still at a time when women’s health and gynaecological health was overcoming the taboos, stigma and the unspoken.
Once qualified I spent most of my years working within the emergency gynaecology unit in Manchester. Following this I achieved the role of Endometriosis Clinical nurse specialist also in Manchester. I have just recently moved back after many years and to the countryside, which is very different especially as I have been a city girl all my life! I have got a little boy, who has already picked up the country accent in the short few weeks he has been here which is hilarious.
Can you tell us a little bit, about what you do in your day-to-day job?
Again as it is my first week on the job, I am still finding my feet! However, given my previous role I will be carrying out nurse led endometriosis clinics, attend the consultant clinics, meeting with surgery patient’s pre and post operatively, attend Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, clinic and results admin and sending onward referrals, responding to patients who have contacted myself for support via telephone and email whilst maintaining the Trust’s accreditation with British Society for gynaecological endoscopy and the requirements that entails.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Not being able to do more, listening to a woman who lives with debilitating pain daily which impacts every aspect of their life and still not being able to directly fix that for them there and then. Addressing common misconceptions many people have regarding endometriosis is also a challenging part of the role.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
When a patient feels heard and they vocalise that. I may not have gave them their surgery date or took their pain away, but sometimes just having a health professional listen, empathise and give that time to them means more.
Can you recall your happiest moment or moments to date in your job?
Achieving my position in both Manchester and here! Definitely a mix of happiness and pride.
What would you say to someone who was considering following in your footsteps?
Be passionate about women’s health or any specialty for that matter, passion carries you during the hard times it ensures job satisfaction and keeps things interesting! Be ready to advocate for your patients even if you are the only one and be open from day one –You can learn something from everyone.
Can you tell us one thing about yourself that people might not know? (e.g. outside interest, hobby, family, sport, likes, dislikes)
I worked in the bookies whilst studying, which was very different to my work towards my nursing degree, it’s also where I learned how to make coffee. I also completed my dissertation on endometriosis in 2016 in third year. Another interesting fact is that I am dyslexic, which was challenging at times in university- until they actually suggested getting assessed after noticing my difficulties.
If you had one wish in life, what would it be?
To win the lotto, isn’t everyone’s? Although I definitely would stay working, I would be bored, I love learning and enjoy being a medical professional too much.