UK government to allocate £25m for women’s health hubs

The UK government has announced a £25m investment to develop new women’s health hubs, as part of the Women’s Health Strategy for England.

Women across England will benefit from “tailored healthcare and support” as well as improved access and quality of care for services for menstrual problems, contraception, pelvic pain and menopause care.

The investment over the next two years is hoped to accelerate the development of women’s health hubs and ease the pressure facing the NHS.

The government says hub models will be tailored to meet local women’s needs with a focus on delivering services that better fit around their lives.

Hubs aim to address fragmentation in provision, for example by providing management of contraception and heavy bleeding in one visit, or integrating cervical screening with other aspects of women’s health care.

At the moment, women often need to attend multiple appointments and go to different places to access these essential services.

“New funding of £25m for women’s health hubs mean more women can get the right support that works around their daily lives,” said Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, in a statement.

Minister for Women’s Health, Maria Caulfield, said: “Better access to specialist services is key to tackling health inequalities. The £25m funding will create new women’s health hubs providing specialist care and advice to women across the country.

“We are making excellent headway to meet our commitments set out in England’s first ever Women’s Health Strategy, aiming to boost the health and wellbeing of women and girls.”

Early adopter women’s health hubs already exist in England, including in Liverpool and Manchester.

Other existing hubs make use of digital models to tackle inequalities in access to care. The City and Hackney women’s health hub organises virtual menopause engagement events and group consultations, with follow-up in a physical location hub where needed.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan, appointed as the Women’s Health Ambassador as part of the strategy, said: “As a practicing gynaecologist, I have first-hand experience of how important it is for women to have easy access to the right care when they need it.

“It is crucial that we provide  them with the best information and support at each and every stage of their journey.

“Women’s health hubs offer us the opportunity to provide holistic care – including contraception, help with period problems, early pregnancy problems, pelvic pain, menopause and cancer screening,” she continued.

“Timely access to high quality services will help to build women’s confidence in the healthcare system.”

NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, added: “For too long, too many women have felt that their pain has been ignored, misunderstood or downplayed when they approach health professionals for help.

“The NHS is continuing to find ways to ensure women’s health is prioritised, that more focus is placed on their needs, and that access to the care they need is as convenient as possible – whether that’s for menstrual problems, menopause or contraception.

“So it is fantastic that this new funding will be made available to support the NHS to expand these one stop shops across the country.

“They are already making a huge difference where they are up and running and will hopefully go a long way in improving the health and experiences of women.”

The announcement comes days after the government announced the appointment of a Department of Work and Pensions Menopause Employment Champion to support women in the workplace.