Healthwatch Staffordshire: Women’s Voices Must be Heard

In April of this year, the Government released the Renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England, pledging to prioritise women's voices in NHS decision-making, address gynaecology waiting times, and enhance pain relief and care for conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause.

The strategy recognises what many women have been saying for years: that they feel dismissed, unheard, and left waiting too long for diagnosis and treatment. These national commitments strongly reflect the findings of the Healthwatch Staffordshire deep dive report on Women’s Health Issues, "Uncovering the Reality Behind Gynaecological Conditions.”

Healthwatch Staffordshire discovered that from 304 women across Staffordshire, 84% were not diagnosed when they first sought help, 81% were not referred to a specialist after seeing their GP, and women with endometriosis waited an average of nearly 9 years for diagnosis, with some reporting waits of over 30 years.

More than 200 women reported significant negative impacts on their mental health, and 180 on relationships and physical health. Over 40% had required surgery, with many experiencing long waits, poor follow-up, or limited pain relief.

Women repeatedly told Healthwatch Staffordshire that they felt their symptoms were described as “normal,” were passed between services, or had to pay privately to be taken seriously.

The Healthwatch Staffordshire report calls for better listening to women’s lived experience, clearer and faster diagnostic pathways, improved GP training in women’s health, and more joined-up gynaecology services. Healthwatch Staffordshire will continue to use women’s voices to influence commissioners and providers, ensuring national commitments lead to real improvements for women locally. Read the full Healthwatch report here: Healthwatch Report

Healthwatch Staffordshire: Women’s Voices Must Be Heard  - created 15th June 2026