‘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, often found herself acting as an agony aunt for her clients. But she says the roles have flipped—now her customers are the ones hearing her story. Zoe has battled endometriosis, a condition that can lead to intense pain and heavy bleeding, since her teenage years. For years, doctors dismissed her symptoms, labeling them as “just normal” menstrual issues. She first shared her experience with the BBC in 2022, when the Conservative government unveiled a women’s health strategy for England.

Four years later, a Labour administration is revisiting that plan. Zoe’s life has changed dramatically since the strategy was introduced, but not in a positive way. She underwent major surgery, losing her womb and part of her bowel, and now drains her own bladder with a small tube. She still feels unheard. “I’m not being listened to. I’ve had the surgery, but complications keep getting worse,” she says.

Meanwhile, the revised strategy is being introduced as women continue to voice concerns about being overlooked by the NHS. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged this, stating that some women are treated as “second class citizens” with pain dismissed as an inconvenience. “The system is clearly failing women,” he added.

The updated plan comes as waiting lists for gynaecological procedures have nearly doubled since February 2020, reaching over 565,000 by January 2026. While waiting lists for other treatments have risen by 58%, the increase in gynaecological care delays has been far steeper. To address this, the government has announced a “patient power payment” initiative. This will allow women to provide feedback on their experiences, with resources allocated to areas needing improvement and providers with poor reviews facing potential funding cuts.

Key Reforms

Among the proposed changes is a streamlined referral process to ensure faster access to specialists. A new care standard will also be introduced, guaranteeing appropriate pain management for invasive gynaecological procedures. However, experts remain cautious. Dr. Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, welcomed the strategy but noted that “the picture for women remains deeply concerning” despite commitments to reduce waiting times.

“With over 565,000 women still waiting for gynaecological care, there is a clear opportunity to embed Women’s Health Hubs within the neighbourhood health model,” she said.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society raised concerns, pointing out that there is still no national plan for specialist services for osteoporosis, a condition affecting half of women over 50 and putting them at risk of hip fractures. Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a GP and society ambassador, warned that “around 2,000 lives are at stake every year without a clear plan.”

“These commitments must be matched with a clear roadmap for delivery, including ensuring the necessary resources and capacity,” said Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK.

Meanwhile, the Scottish government has advanced its own women’s health plan, launched in 2021, by introducing phase two. This phase includes transforming services to ensure timely access to gynaecological care for women and girls. Wales also unveiled a similar strategy in 2024, aiming to “close the gender health gap by pro…”