NHS Hysteroscopy Treatment — [Sir Mark Hendrick in the Chair]

I am appalled by the situation where NHS patients are not offered general anaesthesia for hysteroscopy procedures, unlike in private hospitals. A constituent was told local anaesthesia could be given if necessary but was advised against a general anaesthetic despite similar cases being treated differently in private settings. Emphasised the issue based on a constituent's experience, questioning why hysteroscopy is conducted without anaesthetic when other medical procedures cannot be performed under such conditions.

Ms Clark highlighted the traumatic experiences women undergo during hysteroscopy procedures, stressing that nearly 90% of women surveyed were traumatised by severe pain. She called for improved patient information and access to proper pain relief options before undergoing such critical diagnostic procedures.

The hon. Member for Thurrock agrees that there is a massive lack of information and different practices between private and public health sectors. She shares an anecdote where a friend was offered general anaesthesia in a London hospital, while the NHS often forces women to undergo painful procedures without proper care. Expressed frustration over the ongoing discussion about hysteroscopy procedures and emphasized the importance of informed consent. Noted that while some women experience less pain, a third face severe discomfort, which is not properly explained to them. Highlighted parallels with mesh implant cases where risks were not adequately communicated. Called for proper protocols and well-understood guidelines regarding pain relief and patient engagement before hysteroscopy procedures. Ms Doyle-Price intervened to highlight the urgency and desperation faced by women seeking medical care during critical times such as when they want to have a child, suggesting that the reported pain levels may be just the tip of the iceberg.

Supporting the debate, Jim Shannon highlighted that many women have experienced issues with hysteroscopy procedures. He noted that 70% of women who underwent hysteroscopies in English NHS hospitals reported extreme pain afterwards. Emphasising his personal connection to the issue, he shared his wife's experience and stressed the importance of ensuring effective pain relief and patient consent.

Ms Maskell shared a powerful story about her constituent Jan, who experienced severe pain during a hysteroscopy procedure and was not informed of other anaesthesia options. She argued that women's voices are not being heard in healthcare, leading to significant suffering and lack of proper consent. I am grateful for the Minister's response. Will she include women from ethnic minority groups? Their experience of the health system is very different, so it is really important that their voices are heard in this discussion.