‘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

Zoe Trafford, a hairdresser in Liverpool, has endured years of misdiagnosis and dismissed concerns about her health. Her experience highlights the struggles many women face in accessing proper care, particularly with conditions like endometriosis. This chronic illness, which causes intense pain and heavy bleeding, was initially dismissed by doctors as “just normal” during her teenage years. It wasn’t until recent years that her symptoms were finally recognized as serious.

A Hairdresser’s Struggle with Endometriosis

Zoe often had to serve as a confidant for her clients, offering advice on personal issues. But the roles reversed when she found herself needing to explain her own pain to medical professionals. “You’ll be alright, it’s just normal,” she recalls doctors telling her. “But it’s not normal – I don’t think being in pain is normal.” Her journey led to major surgery, including the removal of her womb and part of her bowel, and now she relies on a small tube to manage her bladder.

Labour’s Revised Women’s Health Plan

Four years after the Conservative government’s 2022 strategy aimed to “radically improve” engagement with women’s health, a Labour-led update has been introduced. Despite these changes, Zoe’s experience has deteriorated. She no longer works in her salon due to the unbearable pain of standing, and she remains trapped in a cycle of referrals without clear solutions. “I’m in a vicious circle, and no one seems to know what to do with me now,” she says.

Key Initiatives in the Updated Strategy

The new plan includes a “patient power payment” system, designed to collect feedback on women’s healthcare experiences and direct funding to areas needing improvement. Negative reviews could lead to reduced resources for providers. Additionally, streamlined referral processes and standardized pain management protocols for gynaecological procedures are part of the reforms. These measures aim to address long waiting times and ensure better care for patients.

Experts Highlight Persistent Challenges

While the strategy has been welcomed, critics argue that progress remains slow. Dr. Alison Wright, head of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, noted that “the picture for women remains deeply concerning” despite promises. With over 565,000 women still waiting for gynaecological procedures in England, the gap between policy and practice is evident. The Royal Osteoporosis Society also expressed doubt, emphasizing the lack of a national plan for specialist services despite earlier commitments.

Progress in Scotland and Wales

Meanwhile, the Scottish government has advanced its own women’s health strategy, entering its second phase since 2021. This includes efforts to ensure timely access to gynaecological care. In Wales, a 2024 plan aims to “close the gender health gap by proactively addressing disparities.” These regional initiatives underscore the ongoing demand for systemic change across the UK.

“These commitments must be matched with a clear roadmap for delivery, including ensuring the necessary resources and capacity,” said Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK. “Diagnosis times of more than nine years for endometriosis are totally unacceptable.”