PIF members respond to the renewed Women's Health Strategy
PIF members have welcomed the commitments made in the renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England – but many are keen for more details on investment. The strategy, published by the government last week, promises to put women’s experiences at the centre of care across the healthcare system. It pledges to ensure patients’ voices are listened to and acted upon and promises:
- Women will be empowered with a stronger say in their care including deciding whether money should be used for targeted improvements.
- Gynaecological care will be streamlined to cut waiting lists and ensure faster access for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids.
- New reforms to tackle outdated and misogynistic practices around pain relief.
PIF members share hopes and concerns
Several PIF members have reacted to the strategy which has been described as an "important step towards making sure every woman is listened to and receives the care she needs".
The Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) worked to ensure the experiences and priorities of Black women were reflected in the strategy. Founding chair Professor Faye Ruddock DL said: "The recognition of key women’s health concerns such as fibroids, menstrual health and menopause inequalities, alongside the focus on community voice, co‑production and culturally responsive care, reflects meaningful listening and genuine intent."
The Eve Appeal is concerned by the lack of specific funding in the strategy but said: "We welcome the renewed strategy and any move to ensure women are listened to and their concerns acted upon quickly, which is essential in the early diagnosis of gynae cancers and can help save lives.
"We know there are huge gaps in care and we need a focus on reducing these gaps so that every woman and person with gynae organs has the care they deserve. The plans in this strategy are ambitious and could deliver real change, but there is a lot of work to do. For this strategy to be a success we need sustained funding and support for NHS staff to deliver them."
Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), welcomed the inclusion of many priorities the charity has long been calling for. She added: "With over 565,000 women still waiting for gynaecological care, there is a clear opportunity to embed women’s health hubs within the neighbourhood health model.
"For the strategy to achieve its full potential, it is vital that it is backed by sustained investment, clear delivery plans and transparent progress reporting. We stand ready to work together with government to ensure this strategy is a success."
Emma Cox, Chief Executive of Endometriosis UK, added: "These commitments must be matched with a clear roadmap for delivery, including ensuring the necessary resources and capacity. We now look forward to working with the government to ensure these commitments become reality so that everyone with endometriosis, adenomyosis and menstrual health conditions have their symptoms recognised and believed, and can access the right care at the right time."
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said the outdated idea that heart disease is a ‘man’s disease’ has cost many women their health and, in some cases, their lives. She also called for action, saying: "This [strategy] is an important step towards making sure every woman is listened to and receives the care she needs. Now we need sustained action right across the NHS to ensure women’s voices are both listened to – and acted upon – to protect women’s heart health at every stage of life."
Speaking to the BBC, The Royal Osteoporosis Society questioned the strategy, saying there is still no national plan for specialist services for the condition – which affects half of women over 50 and leaves them at risk of hip fractures – despite an earlier government commitment.