More women urged to come forward to shape women’s health strategy

Saturday 01st May 2021 05:37 EDT
 

 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 underrepresented 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 now be extended by two weeks, to close on 13 June.

 

 Minister for Women’s Health Nadine Dorries said:  “For generations, women have been living in a health and care system primarily designed by men, for men. I urge every woman, if they have not yet, to come forward and respond to the call for evidence. It is only by hearing the experiences and priorities of women from all walks of life, that we can truly develop a strategy that works for all women.” 

 

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.”

 


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