Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth, has welcomed the news that women and girls across England will benefit from improved healthcare following the publication of the first ever government-led Women’s Health Strategy for England today (Wednesday 20 July).
Following a call for evidence which generated almost 100,000 responses from individuals across England, and building on Our Vision for Women’s Health, the strategy sets bold ambitions to tackle deep-rooted, systemic issues within the health and care system to improve the health and wellbeing of women, and reset how the health and care system listens to women.
The strategy includes key commitments around:
- new research and data gathering
- the expansion of women’s health-focused education and training for incoming doctors
- improvements to fertility services
- ensuring women have access to high-quality health information
- updating guidance for female-specific health conditions like endometriosis to ensure the latest evidence and advice is being used in treatment
Cherilyn, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women’s Health, said:
“Our health and care must serve us all, but for too long, 51% of the population have faced obstacles when it comes to getting the care they need.
I have worked closely with the Government to ensure we right these wrongs and put women’s health needs a priority for the Government and the NHS.
I am pleased this strategy will ensure women’s voices are heard in the health system, with a particular focus on maternity care, endometriosis, and menopause.
I look forward to working with the Government and stakeholders to ensure we implement the recommendations outlined in the report.”
Minister for Women’s Health Maria Caulfield said:
“When we launched our call for evidence to inform the publication of this strategy, women across the country set us a clear mandate for change.
Tackling the gender health gap will not be easy – there are deep-seated, systemic issues we must address to ensure women receive the same standards of care as men, universally and by default.
This strategy is the start of that journey, but eradicating the gender health gap can’t be done through health services alone. I am calling on everyone who has the power to positively impact women’s health – from employers to doctors and teachers to industry – to join us in our journey.”