The BBC recently reported that waiting lists for gynaecology appointments across the UK had more than doubled since February 2020.
Since this report, many women have come forward and shared their experiences with the BBC, with a significant number reporting that they feel they have no choice but to turn to private care.
Waiting in agony
The BBC reports that the women who have shared their stories talk about waiting in agony for vital gynaecological treatment causing them to feel forced to turn to the private sector to have any hope of being urgently referred to the top of the waiting list.
In speaking to the heads of 11 leading women’s health organisations, the BBC have learned that an open letter is being signed urging the public and health professionals to participate in their “Change NHS” conversation.
They said that:
“Women and girls have repeatedly been left to ‘fall through the gaps’ of fragmented government policy.”
An NHS spokesperson said:
“While latest data shows NHS staff are making progress to cut waiting lists and tackle the backlog, we know there is much more to do to bring down long waits for care, particularly for women who are waiting for crucial appointments and treatment.”
Women sharing their stories
The BBC’s full report contains details of the experiences of five of the women who have spoken up.
Some of the stand out points from those stories:
- A 33-year-old woman whose abdomen pain started during her first year of university. She was in so much pain that she was missing lectures and social events. Her friends had to bring her food and sit with her at times and, ultimately, she needed extra help and had no choice but to suspend her studying and return home to her family. Eventually, she decided to use a grant from her student finance to fund a private consultation which ultimately led to her being treated more quickly on the NHS.
- A 27-year-old woman who had experienced difficult period pains since the age of just 12. At 20, she was diagnosed with endometriosis and was told a hysterectomy was her only option, with a doctor telling her “you either have no pain, or you have babies. Make a choice.” The woman sought a second opinion on the NHS, but it took two years to secure an appointment and a further 18 months for a procedure, during which time she was in agonising pain. She too felt she had no choice but to explore private treatment options.
- A 40-year-old woman was misdiagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome until a procedure revealed she was suffering from severe endometriosis. Whilst she initially received support within the NHS once diagnosed, the pandemic changed that and the support went away as the NHS struggled to cope with demand on the service. She therefore had no option but to look into private treatment herself as well.
Comment
Reports such as this are concerning to read.
In a modern age, it is disturbing to hear of any patient left to struggle in pain and feel like they have no option but to seek treatment through alternative means.
Delays in the treatment of gynaecological issues could result in the exacerbation or deterioration of a condition, and there are clearly multiple stories where women have been in agony during significant waits for necessary treatment.
This creates a vicious circle whereby the waits can lead to worsening issues, which in turn leads to more need for treatment and waiting lists continue to increase.
Something has to change.
It is clear that the NHS is struggling to cope with demand for certain services. There is no overnight fix to such issues, however, women choosing to come forward and speak of their experiences is vital to highlighting the issues and where the focus needs to be given to make necessary changes.
How can we help?
Danielle Young is a Legal Director in our Medical Negligence team, which has been ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with Danielle or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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