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Now you see them, now you don't...Women's Health Hubs
Now you see them, now you don't...Women's Health Hubs

Evidence shows women spend more years of their lives in ill health or disability compared to men.  The “Women’s Health Strategy”[1] highlighted numerous issues with women’s health services in the UK including for example fragmented care and long gynaecology waiting lists.  Women’s Health Hubs aimed to address these needs and some early feedback for established Hubs has been positive with women reporting caring and convenient services.[2]


Nonetheless, the present government has faced accusations of reneging on its commitments to implement Women's Health Hubs with their


“slimming down of targets for the NHS to focus on fixing “fundamentals”.[3] 

Many have argued that women’s health is being side lined including the Royal College of Obstetrician’s and Gynaecologists who have released a statement in response to these changes citing,


“The apparent decision to abandon investments which have delivered benefits to women and the NHS is self-defeating” .[4]

In response, the government have hinted at the threat to Hubs as


“fake news” arguing that they are instructing the NHS to prioritise, to cut waiting lists for operations, A&E and ambulances.[3]   

However, aren’t we forgetting something?  Hub Models benefit more than women. Hubs will also benefit the NHS workforce by optimising the skills of teams, with the potential to improve working life and encourage better partnership between primary, community and secondary care.  Not forgetting of course that overall success of Hubs will contribute to a more efficient & integrated health and care system.  Moreover, Hubs align with the NHS Long Term Plan to help bring down the need for excessive amounts of outpatient appointments.[5] Cost benefit analysis suggests Hubs provide good value for money. This is because the benefits of hubs impact on a substantial proportion of the population, with opportunities to streamline the health service, and often with limited implementation and ongoing costs.[6] 

If Hubs are financially practical, perhaps the government should question whether we can afford not to implement them.

References

[1]    Department of Health, Women’s Health Strategy for England, Gov.Uk. (2022). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/womens-health-strategy-for-england/womens-health-strategy-for-england#priority-areas (accessed February 13, 2025).

[2]    K. Daniel, J. Bousfield, L. Hocking, L. Jackson, B. Taylor, Women’s Health Hubs: a rapid mixed methods evaluation, Heal. Soc. Care Deliv. Res. 12 (2024) 1–138. https://doi.org/10.3310/JYFT5036.

[3]    Women’s Health Strategy - Hansard - UK Parliament, (n.d.). https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-01-30/debates/9B321E0F-DA4A-42F1-A0B3-4FE808F51E33/Women’SHealthStrategy (accessed February 13, 2025).

[4]    RCOG responds to reports that central support for women’s health hubs will end | RCOG, (n.d.). https://www.rcog.org.uk/news/rcog-responds-to-reports-that-central-support-for-women-s-health-hubs-will-end/ (accessed February 13, 2025).

[5]    NHS Long Term Plan, (n.d.). https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/ (accessed February 13, 2025).

[6]    Women’s health hubs: cost benefit analysis - GOV.UK, (n.d.). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/womens-health-hubs-information-and-guidance/womens-health-hubs-cost-benefit-analysis (accessed February 13, 2025).

 

© PCOS Vitality, 2025

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Illustrated anatomy of the female reproductive system highlighting polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) features, including labeled parts like the fallopian tube, uterus, and polycystic ovary. (c) PCOS VItality 2024
Illustrated anatomy of the female reproductive system highlighting polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) features, including labeled parts like the fallopian tube, uterus, and polycystic ovary. (c) PCOS VItality 2024

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a long-term skin condition. A common condition, affecting approximately 1 in 100 women, it causes skin to become thin, whitened, and wrinkled and can cause itching or pain. LS mainly affects the genital area, although it can appear anywhere on the skin. A new valuable resource, designed to empower patients to understand Lichen Sclerosus (LS), obtain treatment, and improve their quality of life , has been collaboratively created to support individuals with LS, along with their families, caregivers, and healthcare providers.


You can read the full guide here or see our 10 key takeaways for an overview



Key Takeaways from the guide


  1. Unknown cause - runs in families, people with LS more likely to also have autoimmune conditions


  2. LS is not contagious


  3. Symptoms include vulval itching, bleeding, fissures (small cracks), burning, painful sex, painful urination and/or defaecation


  4. Its important for all of us to check our vulvas - examine it for signs of changes or something that is not quite right.


  5. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Sometimes a biopsy may be needed.


  6. Topical steroids (also known as topical corticosteroids) are currently the best treatment available for LS. (ointment or creams).


  7. If you’ve got vulval lichen sclerosus (LS), keep a check on which parts of your vulva are affected so you can use your medication in the right places.


  8. If you have LS you should get yearly check ups.


  9. In between check ups, keep look out for signs of vulval cancer and precancer such as lumps, patches of raised, thickened, white skin, white patches, darker spots or red inflamed skin/patches or any ulcers or sores.


  10. It's crucial to keep up with your treatment to prevent the progression of LS, which can lead to permanent structural changes to the vulva.


If something doesn’t seem right to you, or you’re worried about a change in the way your vulva looks or feels, it’s important to talk it through with a health professional. The doctor or practice nurse at your local GP surgery is a good place to start.


(c) PCOS Vitality, 2025

Not medical advice. PCOS Vitality is not responsible for external websites.

Always speak to a medical professional for advice.

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