England’s New Women’s Health Strategy: Empowering Women, Ending Medical Misogyny

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has unveiled a groundbreaking women's health strategy for England, aiming to tackle the pervasive issue of 'medical misogyny' and empower women to take charge of their healthcare.

Streeting emphasized that the NHS has been 'failing women' and pledged to end the practice of 'gaslighting' by medical professionals. The strategy, set to be published on Wednesday, introduces several key measures to address this pressing issue.

Firstly, a new standard of care will ensure women receive adequate pain relief during invasive procedures, such as contraceptive coil fittings and hysteroscopies. This simple yet essential step acknowledges the importance of women's comfort and pain management.

Secondly, feedback will play a pivotal role in improving services. A trial will link feedback directly to provider funding, allowing women to withhold payment for paid-for health services if they have a negative experience. This innovative approach empowers women to hold healthcare providers accountable.

The strategy also addresses the unacceptable delays in diagnosing conditions like endometriosis, which can take up to a decade. By streamlining clinical pathways and providing better support, the government aims to reduce waiting times and improve women's access to timely diagnoses and treatment.

The women and equalities committee's recent report highlighted the government's lack of prioritization of gynaecological and menstrual health. MPs warned that initiatives that had successfully reduced waiting lists and improved women's healthcare access, such as women's health hubs, were at risk of being scaled back.

Streeting acknowledged the systemic failures, stating, 'Women have for so long been let down by a healthcare system that too often gaslights them… We need to hit medical misogyny where it hurts.'

The renewed strategy includes a £1 million menstrual education program to help girls understand healthy and unhealthy periods. It also promises a 'single referral point' to ensure women receive the right care from the outset.

Women's health groups have cautiously welcomed the strategy. Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, stressed the need for decisive action to improve women's healthcare.