Gynaecology waiting lists across the UK have surged alarmingly, more than doubling since February 2020. Recent reports indicate around 755,046 women are now on these waiting lists, up from approximately 360,400 prior to the pandemic. This substantial increase highlights the urgency of addressing health concerns related to conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and menopause-related issues.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recently published findings from their new research, building on their earlier report titled "Left for Too Long." The results reveal the growing scale and consequences of gynaecology waiting times on both women and healthcare professionals across the UK today. Alarmingly, these waiting lists have increased by one-third since the RCOG's previous findings from 2022.
With the current waiting numbers hovering around 755,000, many women, unfortunately, may not be captured by national data, creating concerns about the true scale of the problem. Many are likely waiting for diagnostic tests to confirm their conditions or for necessary follow-up care after initial treatments. This lack of oversight highlights the depth of the crisis.
The report highlights the distressing reality for those affected, pointing to chronic pain and declining mental health due to these delays. Many women have found themselves forced to go to Accident & Emergency services due to worsening symptoms—about one in four surveyed had to do so, with over ten percent needing urgent interventions, including blood or iron transfusions.
Dr. Ranee Thakar, the president of the RCOG, expresses deep concern over the dire state of women's health, noting, "Gynaecology is the only elective specialty solely dedicated to women and has one of the worst waiting lists across the UK. This reflects the persistent lack of priority and focus on women's health issues." Dr. Thakar's words encapsulate the frustrations faced by many as their medical concerns are sidelined.
A separate report by the NHS Confederation adds weight to the argument for swift action, estimating the economic burden of gynaecological conditions on the workforce to reach nearly £11 billion annually. Conditions such as heavy periods, endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts are cited as significant contributors to workplace absences, thereby affecting the broader UK economy.
The RCOG is making urgent pleas to governments across the UK, advocating for long-term funding commitments and comprehensive strategies aimed at reducing waiting times. There is growing recognition among healthcare leaders and ministers of the necessity for immediate reforms, with Dr. Thakar continually stressing, "Women are suffering. Change is urgently needed."
Reports reveal not just the physical healthcare shortfalls but also the mental health disparities women face when they cannot access timely treatment. A troubling report from The Fawcett Society unearthed the stark reality many women face, indicating two-thirds of surveyed women felt their health concerns were often dismissed or not taken seriously by medical professionals.
Stigmas about women's health—as if they should just endure pain or adapt to their conditions—persist. This damaging myth contributes to systemic problems within the healthcare system where women’s health is often overshadowed. The consequence? A significant loss of quality of life, with many unable to work, socialize, or live fully functioning lives.
Personal stories, like those of Anna Cooper, who has battled severe endometriosis and undergone 17 operations, paint a vivid picture of this crisis. Following years of her pain being dismissed and told the discomfort was “in her head,” Anna's experience emphasizes the urgent need for respect and recognition of women's health issues within the care system. She ruefully noted, "The delay in my care has cost me some of my major organs." It's clear, from Anna's story and many like hers, the dire human cost of these waiting lists goes far beyond medical statistics.
The NHS is facing immense pressure due to cuts and systemic issues, making fundamental changes necessary not just for individual patients but also for the healthcare framework's integrity. The current strikes and dissatisfaction within healthcare staff add signaling worries about the system's sustainability. Without urgent intervention, the quality of care is bound to dwindle, leaving women caught helplessly amid bureaucratic delays.
Key initiatives are being discussed as potentials for reform, including increasing funding for women’s health and driving campaigns to create awareness around the need for equitable healthcare access. The situation has prompted health advocates and organizations to start dialogue around these disparities, as they view the current waiting lists as indicative of broader, systemic inequities.
Calls for action extend beyond just reforms; they encourage tipping existing power dynamics within healthcare to recognize the unique needs of women's health. For example, creating initiatives to promote integrated care and one-stop health services to address women's specific needs, from contraception to menopause, could lessen the healthcare navigation burden. It's viewed as these streamlined services might alleviate the long waits women currently face.
On International Women’s Day 2025, ITN Business plans to launch its new programme aimed at promoting awareness surrounding global health inequities. This will be presented by well-known broadcaster Louise Minchin, who will spotlight the significant barriers women encounter within the healthcare system today. Respected organizations, such as the RCOG and the British Menopause Society, will be highlighted during the programme, promising to showcase innovations paving the way for change.
Empowering women’s voices and bringing light to these staggering statistics and personal experiences is more important than ever. The RCOG warns, "Delays not only worsen physical conditions but also impact mental health and quality of life drastically." A societal and economic crisis looms, as failing to address these waiting lists and prioritise women's health will ripple through communities, workplaces, and homes.
The continued expansion of women's health hubs and increased training for healthcare professionals signal hope on the horizon. Yet, progress depends on sustained commitment from government and health organizations. Whether these schemes can effectively resolve the issues currently faced remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the time to act is now.
