First Published: 18th January 2024
In a significant address at the Women’s Health Summit in London, Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins outlined the UK government's new priorities for women’s health in 2024. The announcement marks the second year of the landmark Women's Health Strategy for England, launched under Rishi Sunak's Conservative government.
Key Priorities for 2024
The strategy emphasises tackling menstrual and gynaecological conditions, enhancing support for maternity care, and improving assistance for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. It also aims to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for women from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
Menstrual and Gynaecological Health
The government plans to expand the rollout of women's health hubs across the country, which will offer integrated care for menstrual problems, contraception, pelvic pain, and menopause. These hubs are part of a £25 million investment aimed at reducing diagnosis times and improving access to treatment for conditions like endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding. Additionally, the Office for National Statistics will study the impact of these conditions on women's work participation and career progression.
Maternity Care and Birth Trauma Support
Another critical focus is on enhancing maternity care and support for mothers who suffer from birth trauma. This includes delivering on NHS England’s three-year plan for maternity and neonatal services and providing comprehensive mental and physical health support during preconception and postnatal periods. A new £50 million challenge under the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) aims to address maternity disparities and improve outcomes.
Support for Victims of Abuse and Women in the Criminal Justice System
The strategy also seeks to improve support systems for vulnerable women, including victims of domestic and sexual abuse, by ensuring effective training and collaborative efforts within the NHS. The government will implement recommendations from the National Women’s Prison Health and Social Care Review to enhance healthcare for women in the criminal justice system.
Achievements and Ongoing Initiatives
The past year has seen significant progress, including the reduction of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) costs, saving nearly half a million women millions of pounds. The NHS has also launched initiatives to eliminate cervical cancer by increasing HPV vaccination and screening, and expanded access to contraception through community pharmacies. The introduction of IVF transparency tools and the appointment of a Menopause Employment Champion are among other notable achievements.
Leadership and Future Outlook
Professor Dame Lesley Regan has been reappointed as Women’s Health Ambassador for England, continuing her work to prioritise women's health in the NHS. Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, highlighted the ongoing commitment to developing women’s health hubs and deploying specialist community perinatal mental health teams.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, and Dr. Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, praised the government's renewed focus on women's health. They emphasised the importance of addressing waiting times and healthcare inequalities, particularly in treating progressive gynaecological conditions.
The government's renewed focus and strategic investment signal a robust commitment to improving women's health across England, aiming to provide equitable, comprehensive care that addresses the unique healthcare needs of women.
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