House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Women’s Health Strategy update
17 January 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Victoria Atkins Con Louth and Horncastle
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Minister is updating on the priorities for implementing the Women's Health Strategy in 2024, focusing on improvements in maternity services, mental health support, contraception access, and reducing disparities.
- NHS England's three-year plan for maternity services will continue, with new services to prevent birth trauma by March and improvements in postnatal care.
- A 25 million investment will be made in women's health hubs, and 50 million will be provided for research into maternity disparities.
Issue summary
The Minister is updating on the priorities for implementing the Women's Health Strategy in 2024, focusing on improvements in maternity services, mental health support, contraception access, and reducing disparities.
Action requested
We will continue delivering NHS England’s three-year plan for maternity services, roll out new services to prevent birth trauma by March, improve postnatal care, update guidance for gynaecological conditions, invest £25 million in women's health hubs, review policies on domestic abuse and sexual violence, implement recommendations from the National Women’s Prison Health and Social Care Review, provide £50 million for research into maternity disparities, and reappoint Professor Dame Lesley Regan as Women’s Health Ambassador.
Key facts
- We will roll out new services to avoid tears during childbirth and improve maternal mental health by March.
- £25 million is being invested in women's health hubs across England.
- All 42 Integrated Care Systems are expected to have at least one women’s health hub operating this year.
- Black women are almost three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women.
- The NIHR will provide £50 million for research into maternity disparities.