‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored
‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored
Zoe Trafford, a hairdresser in Liverpool, recalls the moment her situation shifted from being the one offering advice to the one seeking it. For years, she endured the dismissive attitude of medical professionals who attributed her severe pain and heavy bleeding to mere bad periods. The turning point came when she finally shared her struggles with the BBC in 2022, highlighting the Conservative government’s initial women’s health strategy for England. “Doctors would often dismiss my concerns with phrases like ‘You’ll be alright, it’s just normal,’ ” she said. “But it’s not normal – I don’t think being in pain is normal.”
Four years later, the Labour government has revisited the strategy, aiming to address ongoing issues in women’s healthcare. Zoe’s life has since transformed dramatically. She’s undergone major surgery, losing her womb and part of her bowel, and now relies on a tube to empty her bladder. Despite the changes, she still feels unheard. “I’m not being listened to. Basically, I’ve had the surgery but I’m having more and more complications,” she explains. The pain of standing has forced her to retire from her profession, while endless waits for treatment continue to frustrate her.
The revised plan follows widespread criticism of the NHS’s failure to prioritize women’s voices. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized that some women have been treated as “second class citizens,” with their pain seen as an inconvenience and symptoms dismissed as overreactions. “It’s clear the system is failing women,” he stated. This sentiment is echoed by the doubling of gynaecological waiting lists, as revealed by BBC analysis. Between February 2020 and January 2026, the number of women waiting for such procedures rose to over 565,000, a significant increase compared to the 58% rise in other planned treatments.
New Measures for Women’s Health
Among the proposed changes is a “patient power payment” scheme, designed to gather feedback from women on their treatment experiences. This initiative will allocate funds to areas needing improvement and penalize providers with poor reviews. Gynaecology is the first field to be tested, with plans to expand it to other health conditions. Additionally, a streamlined referral process and a new standard for pain management during invasive procedures are set to be introduced.
Dr. Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, acknowledged the strategy but noted that the situation for women remains “deeply concerning.” She suggested integrating Women’s Health Hubs into the neighbourhood health model to address systemic gaps. Meanwhile, the Royal Osteoporosis Society raised questions about the lack of a national plan for specialist services, despite earlier commitments. Dr. Sarah Jarvis highlighted that without such a plan, around 2,000 lives are at risk annually from hip fractures linked to osteoporosis.
Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, stressed that the average diagnosis time of over nine years for endometriosis is “totally unacceptable.” She urged the government to provide a clear roadmap for implementation, ensuring adequate resources. The Scottish government’s phase two of its women’s health plan, launched in 2021, includes efforts to enhance access to gynaecological care. In Wales, a 2024 strategy aims to “close the gender health gap by pro” – a phrase that underscores the ongoing need for progress in women’s healthcare.
