Government accused of misleading claim on health hubs

Most integrated care systems lack a women’s health hub offering full services — contrary to government claims — according to research seen by HSJ.

In spring last year, the government and NHS England said all systems were expected to have at least one operational women’s health hub in place by the end of December 2024. They were required to provide clinical support and consultations/triaging in eight “core” services.

Health minister Karin Smyth told Parliament at the start of this year the objective had been met in 39 out of 42 integrated care systems.

But research by the Menstrual Health Coalition found only 14 integrated care boards had established hubs offering all eight core services, as required. The services are: menstrual problems assessment and treatment; menopause assessment and treatment; contraceptive counselling and provision of all methods; preconception care; breast pain assessment; pessary fitting and removal; cervical screening; and screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

The coalition, an alliance of patient and advocate groups, collected information from all ICBs between October and December.

Its co-chair Anne Connolly, a GP specialising in gynaecology, said: “Our findings challenge the narrative that women’s health hubs have been successfully implemented nationwide.

“While figures suggest that hubs are in place, the reality is that many do not provide the full range of services women were promised… There is now an urgent need for transparency alongside the rollout of women’s health services, particularly as the current funding is short term and lacks the necessary commitment to future-proofing these services.”

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Source: HSJ, 30 April 2025