The RCOG responds to the latest ONS data on the impact of an endometriosis diagnosis on monthly employee pay and employee status.
Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the RCOG said,
“These statistics are staggering and mirror the findings of our recent Waiting for a way forward report. Our report found that found that nearly seven in ten of the women surveyed said their ability to take part in work and social activities had been negatively impacted by their gynaecological condition.
“Endometriosis is a progressive gynaecological condition that becomes more complex to treat over time. The sooner we can see these women in our clinics, the sooner we can support them, prevent their conditions worsening and help keep them in work.
“We know that there are over 750,000 women and people currently waiting for hospital gynaecology care and the impact of these prolonged waits is affecting society as a whole and should concern all of us. Women play an extensive and important role in the economy, making up a significant portion of the UK workforce in key sectors, including health and social care, education, and the civil service. It is simply unacceptable that women are having to work less, or being forced out of work altogether, because their gynaecological health needs are not being met.
“In its manifesto, this Government committed to prioritising women’s health. After missing a vital opportunity to do this last week in the NHS Operational Planning Guidance, we urge the Government to take the health of 51% of the population into account when considering the upcoming Spending Review, the NHS 10 year plan and the future of the Women’s Health Strategy. This should include sustained investment in gynaecology services to ensure that all women can access diagnosis and treatment when they need it and allow them to continue to work and participate in society. This investment will not only benefit thousands of individual women but the wider economy too.”