THE lives of thousands of women across Worcestershire could be improved with the launch of a new campaign by Droitwich Spa Hospital and Mumsnet.
The campaign aims to give women a diagnosis and treatment management for those experiencing gynaecology-related problems such as endometriosis, menopause, and gynaecological cancers.
Dr Sujata Gupta, a Consultant Gynaecologist from Circle Health Group, said that women often go undiagnosed for years.
She added: “The greatest challenge is often finding the right information or the feeling of embarrassment that comes suffering with this type of condition.
“This has a dramatic impact on how women engage with healthcare professionals and ultimately prevents them from asking the appropriate questions and getting the diagnosis they need.”
Recent data published by the Independent Healthcare Providers Network and The Patients Association found that women in most areas of the UK were waiting over six months to see a specialist about their health concerns.
The government has recently announced a new strategy to target failings in women’s health care with measures such as mandatory gynaecology modules for trainee doctors – yet it is argued that this is not helping the issues women face now.
“Mumsnet users have frequently told us about their struggles to access vital women’s health services, often with serious consequences,” said Justine Roberts, who founded Mumsnet.
“We’re glad that this partnership will enable women to seek expert advice via Mumsnet and empower our users to advocate for themselves while we continue to campaign to tackle decades of entrenched inequality in healthcare.”
The partnership provides women with practical and expert advice on accessing the treatment they need, whether this means a new diagnosis or managing a pre-existing condition.
Adam Busby, the Acting Group Clinical Director at Circle Health Group, said: “Partnering with Mumsnet gives us the opportunity to share our specialist expertise with women in a way that they can engage with safely and in the confidence that they will be listened to.”
