NHS appoints national clinical director for women’s health

The NHS has appointed its first ever national clinical director for women’s health in an effort to advance the government’s Women’s Health Strategy.

Dr Sue Mann, a consultant and lead for women’s health in City and Hackney, North East London, would help implement the Women’s Health Strategy alongside supporting the roll out of women’s health hubs across England, NHS bosses have said.

She would also work on the development of a network of women’s health champions made up of senior leaders in every local care system to “drive forward” work to improve women’s health.

“The NHS is committed to meeting women’s individual healthcare needs, including supporting all local areas to develop a women’s health hub by December 2024, which will improve women’s health outcomes by providing better menstrual health services, menopause assessment and treatment, and more,” said Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England.

“The appointment of Dr Sue Mann as national clinical director for women’s health will help us build on and further improve the work the NHS has been doing, making it as easy as possible for women to access advice and care for their specific needs, and significantly improve patient experience.”

Dr Sue Mann, new NHS National Clinical Director for Women’s Health, said: “Having spent my career researching, treating, and developing policy and initiatives focused on women’s health, I have seen firsthand the challenges many women face, as well as the progress that has been made through better understanding and awareness of conditions affecting women.

“While our understanding and treatment of women’s healthcare has come a long way, we know there is still a lot more we need to do, and I am excited to be able to play a role in that as the first national clinical director for women’s health, working with colleagues in the NHS to help shape important policy and improve the experiences of women’s health in England.”

Minister for Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield, added: “This appointment will support the ongoing success of our Women’s Health Strategy to reset the dial and improve healthcare for women.

“Our strategy sets out the importance of dedicated expertise and leadership in women’s health and this new role will help make sure women’s needs are at the heart of decision making.”