‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored

‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored

A Hairdresser’s Journey Through Misdiagnosis

Zoe Trafford, a hairdresser in Liverpool, recalls having to act as a confidante for her clients. But her own struggles with endometriosis, a condition causing intense pain and excessive bleeding, turned that dynamic upside down. For years, she was told her symptoms were simply “bad periods” by medical professionals. It wasn’t until 2022, when the Conservative government unveiled a women’s health strategy, that Zoe shared her story with the BBC.

“You’ll be alright, it’s just normal,” she said doctors would tell her. “But it’s not normal – I don’t think being in pain is normal.”

The 2022 strategy aimed to transform how the NHS engaged with women’s health needs, pledging to “radically improve” patient experiences and health outcomes. Four years later, the Labour government has introduced an updated version of the plan, yet Zoe’s situation has worsened. After major surgery that removed her womb and part of her bowel, she now relies on a catheter for bladder management and continues to feel her concerns are dismissed.

“I’m not being listened to. Basically, I’ve had the surgery but I’m having more and more complications,” she says.

Zoe has abandoned her career due to the unbearable pain of standing for long periods. Meanwhile, she faces prolonged waits for care, shuttling between departments in a cycle that leaves her uncertain about her treatment path. This reflects broader criticisms of the NHS, where women’s voices are often overlooked, according to Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

“Some women have been made to feel like second-class citizens,” he said. “Their pain is treated as an inconvenience, and their symptoms are dismissed as overreactions.”

Expanded Waiting Lists and New Measures

The revised strategy follows a surge in women waiting for gynaecological procedures. BBC analysis reveals that from February 2020 to January 2026, the number of women on such waiting lists doubled, reaching over 565,000. While waiting lists for other treatments also grew, the increase was less dramatic—58%.

Among the new initiatives is a “patient power payment” program. This scheme will allow women to report their care experiences, with funds directed to areas needing improvement. Poor feedback could lead to reduced funding for providers. Gynaecology is the first department to trial this approach, with plans to expand it later.

The plan also includes a streamlined referral system to cut down treatment delays and a new standard for pain management during invasive procedures. However, experts remain critical. Dr. Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, acknowledged the strategy’s intent but noted the situation for women remains troubling.

“With over 565,000 women still waiting for gynaecological care, there is a clear opportunity to embed Women’s Health Hubs within the neighbourhood health model,” she said.

Remaining Challenges

Despite the updates, the Royal Osteoporosis Society raised concerns about the lack of a national plan for specialist services. The condition, which affects half of women over 50 and increases hip fracture risk, has seen no concrete action since earlier commitments. Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a GP and society ambassador, warned that 2,000 lives are lost annually without a defined strategy.

“These commitments must be matched with a clear roadmap for delivery, including ensuring the necessary resources and capacity,” said Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, highlighting the nine-year average diagnosis delay for endometriosis as “totally unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Scotland has advanced its women’s health plan with phase two, launched in 2021, focusing on timely access to care. Wales introduced its own strategy in 2024, aiming to “close the gender health gap by pro…”