Have women’s voices at last been heard in government health strategy?

Dr Lisa Cameron MP

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group

Jasmin Adebisi

Policy Project Coordinator for Health, Policy Connect

Research indicates that women may live longer than men but are more likely to spend more of their life in ill-health compared to men.

The Government’s recently published Women’s Health Strategy aims to tackle this gender health gap. It was informed by a call for evidence to allow women, their families and healthcare experts to share their experiences, priorities and concerns — and nearly 100,000 people responded.

Training implementation efforts

A common theme was that healthcare professionals require better training regarding women’s health. The strategy addresses this and outlines that, from 2024, all medical students and incoming doctors will be trained on how to assess women’s health, examined through medical licensing examinations.

This is a good long-term solution. However, for existing staff in the short term, the strategy only offers optional extra courses to improve their knowledge. With the NHS facing workforce pressures, it seems unlikely that many existing professionals would be able to take such a course forward in the near future.

Black women are four times more likely and Asian women three times more likely to die in pregnancy than white women.

Health inclusivity in question

Another welcomed development has been the appointment of England’s first Women’s Health Ambassador, Professor Dame Lesley Regan.

Professor Regan advocated for the expansion of women’s health hubs across the UK to help women access treatment and support for a range of issues. These hubs provide an opportunity to make routine inquiries surrounding domestic abuse and contribute to efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We are pleased that the strategy announces an expansion of hubs which make services much more accessible.

However, in some areas, the strategy does not go far enough to improve outcomes for women and girls.

A recent UK report showed that Black women are four times more likely and Asian women three times more likely to die in pregnancy than white women. While the new maternities taskforce — established earlier this year — is a good step, the new strategy does not outline its role in tackling disparities and addressing racial injustice.

Consideration for all health aspects

Women’s mental health was not comprehensively addressed in the strategy, despite 39% of people responding to the call for evidence saying it is a priority.

Further detail is also required on how the strategy will be implemented, considering the current workforce crisis and funding. The All-Party Parliamentary Health Group and Policy Connect are looking forward to continuing our vital work in this area to address women’s health.