There has been a noticeable shift in howwomen’s healthcare is being discussed at a national level. The updated Women's Health Strategy for England is a clear acknowledgment that,for too long, women have not received the standard of care they should expect.
A recent panel discussion led by Professor DameLesley Regan, alongside senior representatives from Wellbeing of Women, RoyalCollege of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Faculty of Sexual andReproductive Healthcare, explored what has actually changed and, moreimportantly, what still needs to.
From the perspective of those representingwomen and families affected by substandard care, the conversation felt bothfamiliar and cautiously optimistic.
Recognition of What Patients HaveBeen Saying for Years
At the heart of the Women’s Health Strategy isa simple but important point: many women have not felt heard.
That is not new to those of us working in medicalnegligence law. We regularly see cases where women’s symptoms have beendismissed, concerns minimised, or opportunities for earlier diagnosis missedaltogether.
Whether it is delayed diagnosis ofgynaecological conditions, failures in maternity care, or inadequate managementof menopause symptoms, a common thread runs through many cases. Women often saidthey knew something was wrong but felt they were not taken seriously.
The Women’s Health Strategy formally recognisesthis, and it matters, because it begins to shift expectations aroundcommunication, clinical curiosity and shared decision-making.
What Is Changing In Practice?
There are a number of developments that arelikely to have a tangible impact if implemented properly.
1. Amore joined-up approach to care
The idea behind women’shealth hubs is to make things feel less disjointed, so care is morejoined-up instead of being spread across lots of different places. For patients, this should mean fewerreferrals, fewer delays and a more coherent pathway through what can often be acomplex system.
2. Greaterfocus on previously under-recognised conditions
Conditions such as endometriosis, heavymenstrual bleeding and menopause-related issues are now firmly on the agenda.
This is significant, as these are areas wheredelays in diagnosis and treatment have historically been common, sometimes withlife-altering consequences.
As awareness improves, so too does the expectedstandard of care.
3. Anemphasis on listening and informed decision-making
There is a renewed focus on ensuring women areproperly informed and involved in decisions about their care.
From a legal perspective, this goes directly toissues of consent. We continue to see cases where risks were not adequatelyexplained or alternatives were not discussed.
A cultural shift in this area would be ameaningful step forward.
4. Addressinginequalities in outcomes
The strategy also highlights disparities incare and outcomes, particularly in maternity services.
Recognition is important, but it must translateinto consistent, measurable change. Until then, this remains an area of realconcern.
Why Does This Matter?
The message to patients is that the standard ofcare they are entitled to is evolving. Being listened to, taken seriously andproperly informed is not optional. It is fundamental.
The Women’s Health Strategy reflects a broadershift in what is considered acceptable practice and whilst these are not newissues, the lens through which they are viewed is changing with greatertraction to drive meaningful change.
The reality: progress is uneven
While the direction of travel is positive,implementation remains inconsistent.
We are already seeing variation in access toservices such as women’s health hubs, and disparities in care persist. For manypatients, the experience on the ground has yet to catch up with the ambitionset out in the strategy.
The gap between policy and practice is oftenwhere care falls below a reasonable standard and avoidable harm caused.
A Measured Step Forward
The Women’s Health Strategy is an importantdevelopment. It reflects years of advocacy and, importantly, validates theexperiences of many women who have felt overlooked within the healthcaresystem.
However, it is not a solution in itself.
For those of us acting on behalf of injuredpatients, the focus remains on outcomes. Has care improved? Are diagnoses beingmade earlier? Are patients being listened to?
Until those answers are consistently “yes”,there will continue to be a need for accountability.
Hannah Carr, Legal Director and Specialist Medical NegligenceSolicitor from MDS, said “We’re taking a step in the right direction, andit’s encouraging to see these issues being acknowledged, but the reality isthere are still real gaps in care, especially for women affected byinequalities linked to race and socio-economic background. Until those aretackled properly at their root, we’re unlikely to see the consistent change thesewomen need.”
.webp)
