More tools to tackle womens health inequality in England revealed

It comes on the first anniversary of the Women’s Health Strategy

A range of measures to tackle disparities in healthcare for women has been launched by the Government, covering issues such as menopause, IVF and pregnancy loss.

It comes as the first anniversary of the Women’s Health Strategy – a 10-year blueprint for how healthcare for women in England can be improved – approaches.

A new area on the NHS website will bring together more than 100 topics, such as periods and pregnancy, for girls and women to access information easily.

It will sit alongside a new online hormone replacement therapy (HRT) hub which will give menopausal women the tools to manage their symptoms and find information on different types of treatment.

Elsewhere online, a new tool on Gov.uk will allow people to search for NHS-funded IVF treatment in their local area, while artificial intelligence (AI) is being developed to identify early risks in maternity units.

The Government also pledged to distribute £25 million across England to establish women’s health hubs.

The Women’s Health Strategy was launched in August 2022 and minister for women’s health Maria Caulfield said there is “much progress to celebrate”.

She added: “Over 300,000 more women have accessed cheaper HRT; new women’s health hubs are popping up across the country; and we’re adding a dedicated women’s health area to the NHS website. But there is plenty more to do.

“Our work continues to support women through the agony of pregnancy loss. I’d like to thank all the brave and inspiring women who have campaigned tirelessly for change as well as the review leads Zoe Clark-Coates and Samantha Collinge, who carried out this really important review.

“We will keep working and investing so girls and women across the country can benefit from the world-class healthcare they deserve.”

In response to a review on pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gestation, the Government said it will “take action to support women and their families”.

Zoe Clark-Coates, founder of The Mariposa Trust, and Samantha Collinge, lead bereavement midwife at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, led the Pregnancy Loss Review and will work with the Government to implement their 73 recommendations.

A voluntary pregnancy loss certificate will be offered to parents from October, with a pilot scheme available to 1,000 bereaved families this summer.

The Government said it is “focused on ensuring that bereaved parents feel able to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and will put an emphasis on supporting them through their grief”.

Ms Clark-Coates said the review’s recommendations “offer a real opportunity to revolutionise baby loss care in England”.

She added: “My passion and long-term commitment is to help all bereaved families, and by the implementation of these recommendations, I believe we will make great strides in addressing the disparities in the care, support, education, and training that currently exist.”

Professor Dame Lesley Regan, women’s health ambassador, said “a huge amount” has been achieved since the strategy was revealed last summer.

She added: “This is just the beginning, and every conversation about women’s health is a step towards closing the gender health gap.

“The enthusiasm of all those involved makes it clear that everyone wants to get this right for women and girls, and I look forward to continuing to drive this forward in the coming years.”

Published: 22/07/2023 by Radio NewsHub