Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Gynaecological Services: Waiting Lists

06 July 2022 · 2 other contributors · 6,960 words

Opened by Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

Responding minister: Edward Argar

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Emma Hardy raised concerns about gynaecological services: waiting lists in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Ms Emma Hardy is concerned about the significant increase in gynaecology waiting lists, which have reached over 610,000 across the UK.
  • Ms Emma Hardy asks the Government to include an investigation into gender bias in prioritising gynecological services as part of the upcoming women's health strategy.
  • The Minister acknowledges the importance of addressing waiting lists for gynaecological services due to the pandemic backlog, with over 28,800 people waiting longer than a year.

Key requests to Government

Ms Emma Hardy asks the Government to include an investigation into gender bias in prioritising gynecological services as part of the upcoming women's health strategy. She also calls for a shift in prioritisation frameworks and significant rethink on recovery plans that consider wider impacts beyond clinical needs, such as mental health and social participation.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

Ms Emma Hardy is concerned about the significant increase in gynaecology waiting lists, which have reached over 610,000 across the UK. She highlighted that women are facing average wait times of seven and a half years for an endometriosis diagnosis pre-pandemic, with conditions worsening due to delayed treatment. The APPG on women's health report from 2017 showed that nearly 50% of women were not informed about the complications of their treatments, indicating issues in patient care and information provision. Emma Hardy stressed that such attitudes reflect the neglect of gynaecological procedures compared to other medical priorities.

Other contributors (2)
  • Feryal Clark Lab Enfield North

    She highlighted the deprioritisation of gynaecological services, citing examples such as endometriosis surgery delays and waiting lists that have increased by over 106% since 2008. She noted significant disparities in care across geographic regions, with an 89% rise in the north-west, a 97% increase in the midlands, and a 144% increase in the east of England. Clark also mentioned that women's mental health is negatively impacted during waiting times and called for a fundamental rethink on how women's healthcare is treated.

  • Lyn Brown Lab West Ham

    Ms Lyn Brown highlighted the issue of women facing painful hysteroscopy procedures without anaesthetic due to NHS waiting list pressures, citing stories of patients like Emily and Francesca who suffered extreme pain or were denied necessary care. Brown expressed gratitude towards the Minister and emphasized the need for action rather than empowerment rhetoric. She highlighted instances where women are belittled by those in gynaecological services, discouraging them from making a fuss despite their suffering. She asked about research on hospital trusts serving multiple geographical areas and whether patients have real choices regarding which hospitals to visit within these groups.

Government Response

Edward Argar

I congratulate the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle on her work in women's health matters and acknowledge the importance of addressing waiting lists for gynaecological services due to the pandemic backlog, with over 28,800 people waiting longer than a year. Activity levels have reached 95% pre-pandemic levels but require further improvement. The Government is increasing capacity through surgical hubs and high-volume, low-complexity programmes, growing the workforce by adding 108 consultants in obstetrics and gynaecology this year. Funding has increased to £33.9 billion by 2023-24, with additional pandemic funding provided. The women's health strategy aims to reset care delivery and empower women through engagement, guidance, and awareness of taboo topics. We aim to publish the strategy before summer recess and focus on its implementation. Diagnostics are a key area; up to 160 community diagnostic centres will be established by 2025, improving MRI, CT, ultrasound, and endoscopy capacities. GP practices have been supported with additional funding for access and capacity during the pandemic.

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