Endometriosis UK welcomes today's news that the Government will be renewing the Women's Health Strategy for England. Endometriosis UK has long been calling for a renewal of the 2022 Strategy alongside others including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. We know that endometriosis care is in urgent need of reform, and this renewal, alongside the 10 Year Health Plan, provide key opportunities for the Government to reassess demand and ensure the necessary policies and resources are put in place to meet the needs of patients.
As Health Secretary Wes Streeting noted today, women are being "passed from one specialist to another for conditions like endometriosis". With gynaecology waiting times remaining unacceptably high, diagnosis taking on average nearly 9 years, and access to care being a postcode lottery, now is the time for the Government to stand up for the 1.5 million with endometriosis. Not only will this reduce patient suffering, but it will also save resources and boost productivity within the NHS. The renewed strategy must be accompanied by dedicated funding and a workforce plan to ensure implementation delivers on its promise. Crucially, this must translate into concrete action to drive down the average time to diagnosis and increase access to high quality, effective management and treatment.
We now look forward to working with the Government to ensure endometriosis and menstrual health are at the forefront of the renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England.
