A survey of local women by Healthwatch Warrington identified concerns over the menopause as a key health priority for women in the town.
The local health and social care champion received feedback from more than 300 women about their experiences using women’s services in Warrington.
A number of themes emerged, especially around the lack of knowledge of menopausal support and choice for women. After shortlisting this priority to the public vote, Healthwatch organised a women’s health event at Winmarleigh House in the town to expand their outreach. They also worked with their digital expertise and created a survey for women to identify themes around women’s health services – linked to the National Gov.UK Women’s Health Strategy for England (updated 30th of August 2022) Department of Health and Social Care.
A total of 51% of the population (Women) face obstacles when it comes to getting the care they need. Although women in the UK on average live longer than men, women spend a significantly greater proportion of their lives in ill health and disability when compared with men.
Healthwatch CEO Lydia Thompson said: “Not enough focus is placed on women-specific issues like miscarriage or menopause, and women are under-represented when it comes to important clinical trials.
“This has meant that not enough is known about conditions that only affect women or how conditions that affect both men and women impact them differently. We planned a full event with professional speakers and presented the draft data.
“We are already working in partnership with Place (Warrington Partners), health partners and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to recommend training for all GPs and health professionals. We are also linking in with Cheshire and Mersey Integrated Care Board (ICB) strategy around Women’s health.”
She said the Healthwatch Women’s survey was a ‘snap shot’ sample, and was not meant to be representative of the population of women in Warrington.
“However, by providing a sample of views and experiences we are able to share them with partners and propose recommendations.
“The age of the women who have shared their experiences has dictated their preference of choice in the 4 areas of menopause, cancers, gynaecological and mental health. This does not mean, for example, that gynaecological issues were classed as less important, just that the women reporting in this area were fewer in numbers.
“It would appear from our survey results that poor mental health is linked with all the themes identified.”
The women surveyed commented that they wanted to be ‘heard and treated with respect.’ Younger women had said that they were ‘fobbed off’ and were not sent for exploratory scans etc to aid them with a diagnosis around their gynaecological complaints. Strong pain relief was prescribed on an ongoing basis, instead of exploring why the pain was there in the first place.
Demand for services has increased, but the quality of service should be upheld.
Women have commented that menopause is not just about women, as it affects families. More information and education about the condition is urgently needed for everyone.
Healthwatch is currently meeting with Warrington Place partners to discuss recommendations and is delighted that discussions around providing GP training are in progress following their Women’s Health event in March this year.
Lydia added: “We are pleased to share our women’s health report findings from Warrington women. Women’s health needs to be prioritised and we are satisfied that the Governments Women’s Health Strategy 2022 will pave the way for this to happen locally. Thank you again to all the women who took part and shared their experiences with us. Work is already underway to improve services and we are working in partnership with Warrington Place partners.”
At the event, Healthwatch Warrington was pleased to be supported by several medical speakers including Dr Helena Nik who runs a menopause clinic at Warrington Hospital.
There is good work happening in Warrington, but it is minimal due to several indicators. Early discussions with PCN leads are positive and Healthwatch will also link in with Cheshire and Mersey Women’s Health strategy to ensure they can work and share good practices.
A video of the full Women’s Health event and all the speakers can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MAQzHLC1AA
Healthwatch Warrington is the town’s local health and social care champion. If you access GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other NHS support services in your area, we want to hear about your experiences. As an independent statutory body, we have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision-makers listen to local feedback to help shape and improve standards of care. We can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy information and advice. Last year, the Healthwatch network helped nearly a million people like you to have your say and get the support you need.
Healthwatch uses public feedback to better understand the challenges facing the NHS and other care providers and we make sure your experiences improve health and care for everyone both locally and nationally. We can also help you get the information and advice you need to make the right decisions and get the support you deserve.
Read the full Women’s health report here: https://www.healthwatchwarrington.co.uk/report/2023-06-07/womens-health-report-2023
