In 2019, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) published the report Better for Women, which shone a light on the disparity between healthcare for men and women in the NHS.
Historically, medical research has focused on men’s conditions, with women assumed to have the same symptoms for any condition. A case in point is the symptoms assumed to be ‘classic’ for a heart attack. Conditions specific to women, such as gynaecological issues, have been hugely underfunded. There are some startling statistics available about funding for erectile issues in comparison to gynaecological issues.
What progress has been made
Five years after publication of the initial report, the RCOG has looked at progress.
The recent report reveals the persistent effects of a healthcare system built around the needs of men. However, it also highlights the success of the women’s health hub model, which brings healthcare professionals together to provide comprehensive, community-based care that addresses women’s health needs throughout their lives. It is vital that women can easily access support for gynaecological conditions, menstrual health, and menopause. These are predictable and common aspects of women’s healthcare, and these were top priorities for survey respondents in the original call for evidence. As well as having an impact on women’s lives, unmet need carries a significant economic cost, with 60% of the NHS workforce being women and 77% of jobs across the wider health and social care sector being held by women. Better care for women is the right thing to do, but it is also economically essential.
In addition to creating ambitions for women’s health for the first time ever, in England, the initial report recognised a whole life approach to women’s health, acknowledging that care needs change across different stages of life, from adolescence through to menopause and later years. This approach moves beyond the traditional focus on reproductive health and considers conditions that are more common or manifest differently in women, such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. By taking this broader perspective, the strategy aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the significant economic burden caused by unmet health needs among women, who make up a majority of the health and social care workforce.
What work still needs to be done
Even though the above approach is very encouraging, health inequalities remain a significant challenge, with black women still 2 to 3 times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after birth than white women.
The key recommendations from the latest progress review can be summarised under key areas:
- Strategy: The Government should commit to refreshing and regularly reviewing the Women’s Health Strategy, which should cover alignment with cross-government strategies, building on the 10 Year Health Plan, and putting in place a strategy with local providers.
- Commissioning: Specific actions for Government Integrated Care Boards and other commissioners to build on the progress of women’s health hubs as part of the shift to neighbourhood health services.
- Research – Maintain a focus on increasing research into menstrual and gynaecological health
- Reproductive health: Ensure sexual and reproductive health is a strategic priority across the healthcare system to meet inequalities, workforce capacity issues, and access to contraception and abortion services. This should include accelerated research and innovation into contraception methods
- Cancer: Be clear about how the cervical cancer elimination plan will be successfully delivered, including measures to increase screening. Drive a life course approach to preventing cancer and commit to boosting public awareness of the symptoms of gynaecological cancers, to include a national awareness campaign for the 2 most common gynaecological cancers, which currently have no screening programme.
Ultimately, the report finds that the Government must commit to a strategy which supports a life course approach with equity at its heart. The strategy must ensure all women, wherever they live, can access the care they need across their life course.
Seek Expert Legal Support for Women’s Health Claims
If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to inadequate healthcare or unmet women’s health needs, Enable Law’s experienced clinical negligence team can provide expert guidance. Our specialists are committed to supporting clients through every step of a claim, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Enable Law today to arrange a confidential consultation.
