‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored
‘I’m not being listened to’ – New Health Plan Launched Amid Women’s Health Concerns
Zoe Trafford, a hairdresser from Liverpool, recalls having to act as a confidant for her clients. But the roles flipped when her own health issues demanded attention. Diagnosed with endometriosis in her teens, the condition caused intense pain and heavy bleeding. For years, medical professionals dismissed her symptoms, calling them “just normal.” Zoe, however, argued that chronic pain should not be considered routine.
The Conservative government’s 2022 women’s health strategy aimed to “radically improve” engagement with patients, particularly women and girls. Yet, four years later, the Labour administration has unveiled an updated version. For Zoe, the changes haven’t alleviated her struggles. She underwent major surgery, losing her womb and part of her bowel, and now manages her bladder with a catheter. Her experience reflects ongoing frustrations: “I’m not being heard. I’ve had the surgery, but complications keep mounting.”
Zoe’s ability to work has been compromised by the pain of standing, forcing her to leave the profession. Meanwhile, the NHS faces mounting criticism for its handling of women’s health. Waiting times for gynaecological procedures have surged, with BBC data revealing a doubling of patients on such lists between 2020 and 2026—now surpassing 565,000. While waiting lists for other treatments have also risen, the increase in gynaecological care is far more pronounced.
Government Introduces New Measures for Women’s Health
The updated strategy includes a “patient power payment” initiative, designed to collect feedback from women on their healthcare experiences. This will guide resource allocation, potentially penalizing providers with poor reviews. Gynaecology is the first area to test the scheme, with plans to expand it to other conditions. Additional steps focus on streamlining referrals to specialists and establishing clearer standards for pain management during procedures.
“The system is failing women,” said Health Secretary Wes Streeting, highlighting how symptoms are often dismissed as overreactions. “We must ensure their pain isn’t treated as an inconvenience.”
Despite these measures, experts remain skeptical. Dr Alison Wright, head of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, acknowledged the strategy’s intent but noted, “The situation for women remains deeply concerning.” She emphasized the need for dedicated Women’s Health Hubs within community care models. Meanwhile, the Royal Osteoporosis Society pointed out the absence of a national plan for specialist osteoporosis services, despite prior commitments. Dr Sarah Jarvis, a GP and society ambassador, warned that 2,000 lives are at risk annually without such a plan.
Critics Urge Urgent Action for Women’s Health
Emma Cox of Endometriosis UK stressed the necessity of a concrete roadmap, citing diagnosis delays of over nine years as “totally unacceptable.” The Scottish government has also advanced its own plan, with phase two launched in 2024. This initiative targets systemic gaps in access to gynaecological care. Wales, too, has introduced a Women’s Health Plan aiming to “close the gender health gap” through targeted reforms.