NHS Failing Women: Health Secretary Pledges Action

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a renewed women's health strategy for England, declaring the NHS is 'failing women' and vowing to end the 'gaslighting' they experience from doctors. The strategy aims to ensure women are no longer dismissed, with their pain treated as an inconvenience.

New measures will guarantee women are offered pain relief for invasive procedures like coil fitting and hysteroscopies. Patient feedback will directly influence provider funding, with a trial allowing women to withhold payment for paid services if they have a poor experience. Efforts will also focus on reducing the decade-long waits for diagnoses of conditions such as endometriosis.

The renewed strategy builds upon previous initiatives, addressing concerns that vital services, including women's health hubs, were at risk of being scaled back. It promises a £1m menstrual education program and a redesign of clinical pathways to speed up diagnosis and treatment, alongside a review of support for families experiencing repeated baby loss.

A 'single referral point' will be implemented to ensure women are directed to the correct care from their first point of contact. NHS England's women's health director, Dr. Sue Mann, emphasized the importance of women being heard and receiving specialist care for serious symptoms that impact their lives.