‘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
A Hairdresser’s Struggle with Endometriosis
Zoe Trafford, a hairdresser in Liverpool, recalls often having to act as an agony aunt for her clients. Yet, there came a moment when the roles reversed—her customers found themselves listening to her as she shared her battles with endometriosis, a condition that has plagued her since her teenage years.
“Doctors often dismissed my concerns with phrases like ‘You’ll be alright, it’s just normal,’ she recalls. “But it’s not normal—I don’t think being in pain is normal.”
Government’s Updated Strategy
A revised women’s health strategy, announced by the Labour government, aims to address longstanding issues in the NHS. The plan updates the 2022 Conservative initiative, which promised to enhance engagement with women and improve health outcomes. However, for Zoe, the changes have not yet brought relief.
Since the strategy’s release, Zoe has undergone major surgery, losing her womb and part of her bowel. She now manages her own bladder with a small tube, yet feels her struggles continue to be overlooked. “I’m not being listened to,” she says. “I’ve had the surgery, but complications keep worsening.”
Waiting Lists and Systemic Failures
The updated strategy is set against a growing tide of criticism about the NHS’s neglect of women’s health. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted how some women feel treated as “second class citizens,” with their pain seen as an inconvenience and symptoms dismissed as overreactions.
BBC analysis reveals that the number of women waiting for gynaecological procedures in England has nearly doubled since February 2020, reaching over half a million (565,000) by January 2026. While waiting lists for other treatments have also increased, the rise in gynaecology cases remains stark. Zoe’s experience reflects this trend, as she describes being passed between departments in an endless cycle of care.
New Measures to Improve Care
Among the latest initiatives is a “patient power payment” scheme, designed to gather feedback from women on their treatment experiences. The government plans to use this data to allocate resources and penalize providers with poor performance. Gynaecology will be the first area tested, with potential for expansion into other health conditions.
The strategy also includes a streamlined referral system to reduce delays in accessing care and a new standard for pain management during invasive procedures. Despite these steps, some experts remain skeptical. Dr. Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, acknowledged the commitments but warned that the situation for women remains “deeply concerning.”
Criticism of the Plan’s Progress
While the plan addresses some issues, others argue it falls short. The Royal Osteoporosis Society pointed out that there is still no national strategy for specialist services for osteoporosis, a condition affecting half of women over 50. Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a GP and society ambassador, noted that 2,000 lives are at risk annually due to this gap.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, emphasized the need for a clearer roadmap. “Diagnosis times of over nine years are totally unacceptable,” she said. “These commitments must be matched with resources and a defined plan for implementation.”
Scottish and Welsh Initiatives
Meanwhile, Scotland has advanced its own women’s health plan, launching phase two in 2024 to expand services and ensure timely care. Wales followed suit in 2024 with a strategy aimed at “closing the gender health gap by pro…”
