Publication: Waiting for a way forward, Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG)

What are the main points?
> More than three quarters of a million women are currently on long waiting lists for serious gynaecological conditions.
> Gynaecology emergency admissions in England increased by a third between 2021 and 2024.
> The RCOG surveyed 2000+ women and over 300 healthcare professionals. More than three quarters (76%) of women reported worsening mental health while waiting for care.
> Over 90% of primary care professionals reported a severe impact on general practice as a result of longer waits for hospital gynaecology services.
EXPERT THOUGHT
RCOG Women’s Voices Lead Jane Plumb said: ‘The state of gynaecology waiting lists in the UK is a crisis that demands immediate attention. Millions of people are waiting for non cancer hospital gynaecological care, many are suffering with severe pain and heavy bleeding, the impact on their physical and mental health is devastating. It’s imperative that all governments [in the UK] prioritise this issue.’
In response to recent reports that the UK Government is considering removing central support for women’s health hubs, the RCOG has now also written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Look out for an in-depth feature on women’s healthcare in the March/April issue of Community Practitioner.
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