‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored

For years, Zoe Trafford, a hairdresser in Liverpool, found herself acting as a confidante for her clients. But the roles flipped when her own health issues began to demand attention. Zoe has lived with endometriosis, a condition marked by intense pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, since her teenage years. Despite her struggles, she recalls doctors dismissing her concerns as “just normal,” a phrase she says fails to capture the reality of her suffering.

The Role of a Hairdresser

Her experience became a turning point. Zoe recounts how she was forced to seek medical guidance from her customers, who had to listen to her chronic pain. Four years after the Conservative government’s 2022 women’s health strategy, a Labour administration is updating the plan. Yet, for Zoe, the outcome has been far from positive. She underwent major surgery, losing her womb and part of her bowel, and now relies on a small tube to drain her bladder regularly.

A New Strategy Unveiled

The latest iteration of the strategy includes a “patient power payment” initiative, designed to gather feedback from women on their healthcare experiences. This system will allocate funds to areas needing improvement and potentially reduce funding for providers with poor ratings. Gynaecology will be the first field tested, with plans to expand the approach to other conditions. Additional measures include expedited referral processes and a new standard for pain management during invasive procedures.

Criticism and Calls for Change

Despite these updates, women’s health advocates argue the system still falls short. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that some women feel like “second-class citizens” within the NHS. He described the current state as a failure to adequately address women’s needs. This sentiment is echoed by the Royal Osteoporosis Society, which points out the absence of a national plan for specialist services for osteoporosis, a condition affecting half of women over 50.

“The system is failing women,” said Streeting. “It’s clear the system is failing women,” he added, highlighting the doubling of gynaecological waiting lists since 2020.

Expert Perspectives

Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, praised the strategy but noted the “deeply concerning” situation for women. With over 565,000 still awaiting care, she suggested integrating Women’s Health Hubs into local health models. Emma Cox of Endometriosis UK emphasized that diagnosis delays of nine years or more are “totally unacceptable,” urging a “clear roadmap for delivery” to ensure resources meet needs.

Meanwhile, the Scottish government has advanced its women’s health plan, with the second phase launched in 2024. This aims to close the gender health gap by streamlining access to gynaecological services. In Wales, a similar plan was introduced in 2024, targeting systemic improvements to support women’s healthcare. However, the focus remains on addressing long-standing issues, as many patients continue to feel unheard and overlooked in their care journeys.