DHSC policy paper: Our vision for the Women’s Health Strategy for England (23 December 2021)

Summary

This policy paper from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) details the government's vision for the Women’s Health Strategy for England, informed by the call for evidence. The call for evidence published in spring 2021 received nearly 100,000 responses from women across the country, and over 400 written responses from organisations and experts working in the health sector and beyond. The consultation response demonstrated that the system and the values that drive it need extensive reform to make women's health provision in England safer and more effective.

Content

The policy paper focuses on taking a new approach in understanding the changing health and care needs of women and girls across their lives. It aims to identify the critical stages, transitions and settings where there are opportunities to promote good health, to prevent negative health outcomes or to restore health and wellbeing.

The paper highlights key reproductive health and general health needs, and identifies five thematic priorities for future strategy:

1. Women's voices
2. Healthcare policies and services
3. Information and education
4. Health in the workplace
5. Research, evidence and data

In spring 2022, DHSC will publish a strategy setting out more detailed delivery plans against each theme and against specific health needs and conditions. The strategy will set out concrete proposals both on issues that only affect women and girls, and on issues that affect everyone, but where there are sex-based differences in prevalence, experience or outcomes.

Related reading

Gender bias: A threat to women’s health (August 2020) - Women's health - Patient Safety Learning - the hub (pslhub.org)

Dangerous exclusions: The risk to patient safety of sex and gender bias (Patient Safety Learning, March 2021) - Women's health - Patient Safety Learning - the hub (pslhub.org)

Patient Safety Learning: Women’s Health Strategy Consultation Response - Women's health - Patient Safety Learning - the hub (pslhub.org)