Responding to the publication of ‘Fit for the Future’, the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan for England, Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said today:
“The 10-Year Health Plan sets the right direction for a modernised NHS and the College supports the ‘big shifts’ set out today, delivering services rooted in the community, focusing on preventing poor health and harnessing technology, with transparency around quality of care.
“We welcome the strong focus on maternity care, recognising too many women and babies are not currently receiving the personalised, high quality care they deserve and the pressures that the maternity workforce is experiencing. Action on elective waiting lists and outpatient care models have the potential to benefit thousands of women currently waiting too long for gynaecology care.
“Women’s Health Hubs have a crucial role to play as part of the new neighbourhood care model set out and we would now hope to see real acceleration on these locally. We also welcome the commitment to a new Workforce Plan later this year, recognising that adequate staffing, training and support are essential to success.”
“However, while the plan lays strong foundations, it falls short in pledging to eliminate the gender health gap that is costing women years of life and good health. Today’s plan must mark a move away from treating women’s health as a collection of niche issues towards offering women excellent, joined up care across their life course, with investment in the women’s health workforce, Femtech and research.
“A huge opportunity may be missed without clear focus on delivering better for women. We would like to see the Women’s Health Strategy for England re-set quickly, to work alongside the 10 Year Plan in driving improvements in women’s health access, experiences and outcomes, particularly for minority ethnic women and those in the most socially deprived areas.
“Women are the cornerstone of our society and everyone benefits when we are supported to live healthier, happier lives. If we get it right not only will women’s lives be saved but we’ll deliver societal and generational benefits and billions for the economy. It’s time for an NHS with all women at its heart.”
The RCOG is currently undertaking an analysis of progress delivered against the Women’s Health Strategy for England between 2022-2024. This will be published in July 2025.