Research by the Menstrual Health Coalition has shown that only 14 integrated care boards out of 42 have established women’s health hubs that offer all eight core services.
As reported in Health Service Journal, the government and NHS England had expected all systems to have at least one fully operational women’s health hub by December 2024. Health minister Karin Smyth told Parliament earlier this year that 39 of 42 integrated care systems had met the target which is disputed by the Menstrual Health Coalition.
Sara Hazzard, assistant director at the CSP and co-chair of the Community Rehab Alliance, said:
The findings reported by the Menstrual Health Coalition highlighting gaps in women’s health services are deeply troubling.
'It is unacceptable that access to essential care continues to be dictated by where a woman lives. With one in three women suffering from pelvic floor disorders after childbirth, including urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, it is critical that we prioritise timely, comprehensive care.
'Pelvic health physiotherapists are essential to provide this care throughout a woman’s life. Integrated care boards that argue against establishing dedicated women’s health hubs because services are offered elsewhere are missing the mark.'
Consolidating services into a hub is crucial for person- centred care, that acknowledges women often face multiple health issues. It makes no sense to force women to navigate a maze of different services.
The CSP has welcomed the role that women’s health hubs could play in providing accessible integrated care in the community and have called for the 10-year plan to include physiotherapists' involvement in the roll out of NHSE's perinatal pelvic health services.
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