Women from under-represented groups urged to respond to call for evidence to shape the future of women’s healthcare.
Women from Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those living in the Midlands and East of England and women over 50 are being urged to respond to the government’s call for evidence to help inform the first ever women’s health strategy.
There has already been an incredible response to the call for evidence, with over 50,000 women, organisations, clinicians and carers responding so far.
However, early analysis shows women from the Midlands and East of England, those from Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and over-50s are under-represented in sharing their experiences. This representation is necessary to ensure the strategy works for all women.
To enable as many women as possible to have their say and capture a variety of views on access to services, experiences and health outcomes, the call for evidence will be now extended by 2 weeks, to close on 13 June.
Dr Geeta Nargund, senior NHS consultant and fertility pioneer, said: “It is fantastic to hear that over 50,000 people have now contributed to the government consultation, but if we are to achieve equality in healthcare then respondents must be representative of the wider population. For example, there are specific conditions that are more prevalent in women from BAME backgrounds and if their experiences are not captured by the consultation then there is a risk that their experiences will not be reflected in future policy decisions or strategies. Ultimately, this consultation will be used to help support our NHS and healthcare system to deliver the best service it possibly can for all women in the UK, and we must do all we can to ensure it’s a success.”
