‘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 as women say they are still ignored
Updated Strategy Faces Persistent Criticism
Four years after the Conservative government introduced a women’s health strategy for England, the Labour administration has unveiled a revised version. The new framework aims to address ongoing concerns that women’s voices remain sidelined within the NHS. Despite promises to “radically improve” healthcare engagement, critics argue systemic gaps persist, leaving patients like Zoe Trafford feeling overlooked.
A Case of Chronic Misdiagnosis
Zoe Trafford, a Liverpool hairdresser, has spent years advocating for herself against dismissive medical responses. Diagnosed with endometriosis as a teenager, she recalls doctors labeling her pain as “just normal” for years. “You’ll be fine—it’s just normal,” she said, but added, “It’s not normal. I don’t think being in pain is normal.” Her journey has been marked by delays, misdiagnoses, and a lack of urgency in her care.
“I’m not being listened to. Basically, I’ve had the surgery but I’m having more and more complications,” Zoe says. She now relies on a tube to drain her bladder, a consequence of extensive surgery that removed her womb and part of her bowel. The pain of standing has forced her to abandon her profession, highlighting the personal toll of a system that fails to act swiftly.
Systemic Failures and Rising Wait Times
Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the challenges, stating that women have been treated as “second class citizens” with pain dismissed as an inconvenience. NHS data shows the number of women waiting for gynaecological procedures has doubled since February 2020, reaching over 565,000 by January 2026. While waiting lists for other treatments have also grown, the increase is less pronounced—rising by 58%.
New Initiatives to Empower Patients
The updated strategy includes a “patient power payment” scheme, where feedback on care experiences will guide resource allocation. Providers receiving negative reviews may lose funding, incentivizing improvements. Gynaecology is the first specialty to trial this system, with potential expansion to other areas. Additional measures include a streamlined referral process and a new standard for pain management during invasive procedures.
Experts Call for Stronger Action
Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, praised the initiative but stressed that “the picture for women remains deeply concerning.” She emphasized the need for “Women’s Health Hubs” within the neighborhood health model to address delays. Meanwhile, the Royal Osteoporosis Society questioned the plan, noting the absence of a national strategy for specialist services, despite earlier commitments. Dr Sarah Jarvis, a GP and society ambassador, warned that without a clear plan, “around 2,000 lives are at stake every year.”
Regional Progress and Remaining Challenges
While the UK faces delays, Scotland and Wales have taken steps forward. The Scottish government launched phase two of its women’s health plan in 2024, focusing on transforming services to ensure timely care. Wales introduced its own plan in the same year, aiming to “close the gender health gap by pro…” However, Zoe’s experience underscores that even with these efforts, many women continue to struggle for recognition and effective treatment.
