The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is calling on the Government to make Women's Health Hubs a central part of the new Neighbourhood Health framework, warning that without clarity on how hubs will fit into the wider framework, women's health risks being overlooked as community care is reformed.
This comes as the Government announced plans to invest £3 million in a new Men's Health Community Fund, in partnership with Movember and People's Health Trust, to support community-led projects aimed at helping men live longer, healthier lives and tackling health inequalities. The RCOG is calling for equivalent investment in women's community healthcare.
Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said:
"The shift from hospital to community care is a genuine opportunity to transform how women access healthcare - but only if Women's Health Hubs are placed at its centre. Without this, there is a risk that women’s health could be absorbed and lost within the broader model.
"More than 565,000 women in England are already waiting for gynaecological care. The evidence already shows that Women's Health Hubs improve timely access to care, are cost-effective and tailor care to local need. Women deserve to know where to go for their care, and clinicians need clear pathways to support them.
“The RCOG is calling for clarity and commitment from the Government that Women's Health Hubs will be integral to the new Neighbourhood Health Centre model. Just as we’ve seen the Government commit millions for men’s community health today, we must see the same commitment and investment for women in the renewed Women's Health Strategy."
- Read the DHSC press release on the rollout out the first 27 neighbourhood health centres here.
- Read the DHSC press release announcing that the government is investing £3 million in a new Men's Health Community Fund, in partnership with Movember and People's Health Trust here.
- Read the RCOG’s priorities for the renewed Women’s Health Strategy here.
- Read our evaluation of the Women’s Health Strategy for England here.
- Read our response to the introduction of Women’s Health Hubs across Wales here.