Gynaecology patients going private to avoid NHS waiting lists

Women waiting in agony for vital gynaecological treatment are turning to the private sector in the hope of being referred urgently to the top of the NHS waiting list.

The heads of 11 leading women's health organisations have signed an open letter, external urging the public and health professionals to participate in their "Change NHS" conversation.

They said: "Women and girls have repeatedly been left to 'fall through the gaps' of fragmented government policy."

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says the discussion around the government's 10-year health plan, external is a chance to lobby for "much needed" funding and system-wide support essential to transforming women's health.

An NHS spokesperson said: "While latest data shows NHS staff are making progress to cut waiting lists and tackle the backlog, we know there is much more to do to bring down long waits for care, particularly for women who are waiting for crucial appointments and treatment.

"We welcome feedback from the public and those working in women's health services via Change NHS to build on our work on improving services for women - which includes developing a network of women's health champions in every local care system and expanding neighbourhood women's health hubs across the country - giving thousands more women access to specialist women's health teams in the community."

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Source: BBC News, 9 December 2024

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