Summary
The UK government has updated its women's health strategy after criticism that many women feel ignored by the healthcare system. The new plan aims to improve treatment, reduce waiting times for gynecological care, and include a "patient power payment" system to gather feedback and improve services.
Key Facts
- Zoe Trafford, who has severe endometriosis, says she is still not being listened to despite major surgery.
- The previous women's health strategy was published in 2022 by the Conservative government; it promised big improvements.
- The Labour government is now updating that strategy four years later.
- Waiting lists for gynecological procedures in England have doubled to over 565,000 since 2020.
- A new payment scheme will allow women to give feedback, and funding may be cut for providers with poor reviews.
- The updated plan includes faster referrals to specialists and better pain relief standards.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the system has failed many women.
- Experts support the strategy but say waiting times and care quality remain serious problems.
