The DHSC hosted a Women’s Health Summit at Union Street, home of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and 15 other women’s health organisations.
The Health and Social Care Secretary has named menstrual conditions, women’s health research and support for domestic and sexual abuse victims among the government’s priorities for women’s health in 2024.
Speaking at the Women’s Health Summit to mark the second year of the landmark Women’s Health Strategy, Victoria Atkins said it would also prioritise improving maternity care and support for mothers who suffer birth trauma.
As well as announcing its new priorities, the government announced the reappointment of former RCOG President Professor Dame Lesley Regan as Women’s Health Ambassador for England for a further two years, to December 2025.
Professor Dame Lesley was appointed as the Women’s Health Ambassador in 2022 and brings a raft of expertise spanning a 44-year career in women’s health as a practicing clinician. She has specialised in core areas including miscarriage, gynaecological surgery, and menopause.
Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “We are pleased to see the Government launching their 2024 priorities for the women’s health strategy at a women’s health summit taking place at our Union Street home, also the location of 15 other women’s health organisations.
“The focus on improving care and treatment for women with gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids, which are often progressive, and have a huge impact on a woman’s quality of life, is hugely welcome. As a College, we have continually called for action to improve waiting lists in gynaecology services. We know that Women’s Health Hubs present a real opportunity to improve women’s health outcomes, and reduce inequalities in access and outcomes for women across the country. I am also glad to see that ensuring high quality care following birth trauma, an area of care which has long been a professional and personal passion of mine, has been recognised as a key focus for Government.
“The RCOG also wants to congratulate our former President, Professor Dame Lesley Reagan, for her excellent leadership of the women’s health agenda at a national level and her well-deserved reappointment as Women’s Health Ambassador until at least the end of 2025. As a dedicated advocate for a life course approach to women’s health, we have every faith she will continue to provide excellent leadership to drive the strategy forward.”
- To find out more about Union Street, click here.