A new report published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has revealed the true scale and impact of the UK’s gynaecology care crisis, with over three quarters of a million (763,694) currently waiting for months and years with serious gynaecological conditions.
The number of women waiting for hospital gynaecology services would fill Wembley stadium eight times over. More women are also now requiring emergency care to manage severe symptoms, with gynaecology emergency admissions in England increasing by a third (33%) between 2021 and 2024.
Developing the new report, ‘Waiting for a way forward: Voices of women and healthcare professionals at the centre of the gynaecology care crisis’, the RCOG surveyed over 2000 affected women and over 300 healthcare professionals to fully understand the impact of the care crisis.
Over three quarters (76%) of women waiting for care reported worsening mental health and over two thirds (69%) reported being unable to take part in daily activities including work. Healthcare professionals reported being deeply concerned for their patients and the majority of primary (65%) and secondary care clinicians (69%) surveyed reported their own health and wellbeing has been affected by managing pressure in their clinics. Additionally, over 90% of primary care professionals reported a severe impact on general practice due to longer waits for hospital gynaecology services.
A way forward is urgently needed, and the RCOG is calling on the UK Government to deliver urgent help for women and people currently waiting for hospital gynaecology care, and for long-term, sustained funding to address the complex systemic issues driving waiting list growth.
Waiting for a way forward was funded by Theramex and follows on from the RCOG’s 2022 Left for Too Long report, and makes recommendations on how governments can support the health system to deliver high quality gynaecology care across the UK.
Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said, “A way forward is urgently needed to tackle the UK gynaecology crisis. Our new report shows too many women are waiting too long with serious conditions that can devastate their lives. NHS staff are also deeply concerned and distressed that they do not have the necessary resources to deliver good care, affecting their own wellbeing.
“UK governments must act now. The RCOG is calling on them to commit to long-term, sustained funding to address the systemic issues driving waiting lists, alongside delivering an urgent support package for those currently on waiting lists. This investment will not only benefit thousands of individual women but the wider economy too, because the evidence shows that healthy women are the cornerstone of healthy societies. Get it right for women and everyone benefits.”
Jane Plumb, RCOG Women’s Voices Lead, said: "The state of gynaecology waiting lists in the UK is a crisis that demands immediate attention. Millions of people are waiting for non-cancer hospital gynaecological care, many are suffering with severe pain and heavy bleeding, the impact on their physical and mental health is devastating.
"The heart-wrenching testimonials we've heard underscore the significant consequences of these delays. It's imperative that all UK governments prioritise this issue, allocating resources to provide timely, compassionate care. Women's voices must be heard, and we must take action now to address their urgent needs and alleviate their suffering."
Clcik here to view the full report.
