New figures reveal that the number of women waiting for gynaecology appointments across the UK has more than doubled since February 2020.
New research highlights that approximately 755,046 women are now on waiting lists, up from 360,400 before the pandemic. This stark rise suggests that over 630,000 individuals are currently awaiting care for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, incontinence, and menopause-related issues.
Building on insights from its earlier report, Left for Too Long, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has undertaken new primary research to gain a deeper understanding of the scale and consequences of gynaecology waiting times on women and healthcare professionals across the UK today.
The latest report reveals that gynaecology waiting lists in the UK have grown by a third since the RCOG’s previous findings in 2022. Currently, an estimated three-quarters of a million women are waiting for gynaecological treatment, with national data capturing only part of the problem. Many more women are likely waiting for diagnostic tests to confirm their conditions or for vital follow-up care after initial treatments.
Research conducted for this report highlights the devastating and escalating impact of these delays. Women affected often endure chronic, debilitating pain alongside worsening physical and mental health symptoms. Alarmingly, one in four surveyed had to attend A&E due to their symptoms, with over 10 per cent requiring urgent interventions such as blood or iron transfusions.
Accelerating Health Equity for Women: Announcing our new programme for 2025
ITN Business will be launching a new programme for International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, to shine a light on global health inequities and the significant barriers women still face in accessing proper healthcare.
These prolonged waits are not only unjust but also hinder women from leading fulfilling lives, with significant implications for society and the economy. Women’s health and well-being are deeply intertwined with their ability to contribute fully to their communities and workplaces, making this issue one of critical importance.
The RCOG warns of the severe implications for women’s health, noting that delays in treatment not only exacerbate physical conditions but also significantly impact mental health and quality of life.
Dr Ranee Thakar, president of the RCOG, stressed the urgency of addressing these delays, stating: “Gynaecology is the only elective speciality that solely treats women and has one of the worst waiting lists across the UK. This reflects the persistent lack of priority given to women and women’s health.”
Dr Thakar also highlighted the economic and social consequences of the issue. Many women experiencing severe symptoms are unable to work, socialise, or perform daily activities, which places additional strain on mental health and societal productivity. If treated earlier, these women could have avoided worsened conditions and continued contributing to their communities.
Economic impact
A separate report led by the NHS Confederation underscores the broader economic ramifications, estimating that workplace absences caused by gynaecological conditions such as heavy periods, endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts cost the UK economy nearly £11 billion annually.
Calls for action
The RCOG is urging governments across the UK to commit to long-term funding and implement comprehensive strategies to reduce waiting times. The College argues that sustained investment is crucial to ensure timely access to care and to prevent further deterioration in women’s health outcomes.
While health ministers have acknowledged the issue and promised action plans to address it, healthcare leaders insist that immediate and significant reforms are required. As Dr Thakar put it, “Women are suffering. Change is urgently needed.”
The rising numbers underscore an ongoing disparity in prioritising women’s health, and the RCOG’s findings serve as a stark reminder that addressing these waiting lists is not only a health imperative but also an economic and social necessity.
The broader crisis in gynaecology has left healthcare professionals overstretched, with little time for essential training. This lack of focus on development presents a significant risk to the NHS’s ability to deliver high-quality gynaecological care now and in the future. Without addressing these systemic issues, the quality and sustainability of care remain under threat.
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Accelerating health equity for women
Efforts to accelerate health equity for women are gaining momentum globally, with initiatives addressing disparities in access, research, and healthcare delivery.
In the UK, the government has prioritised expanding “one-stop” women’s health hubs that provide integrated care for issues like contraception, cervical screenings, and menopause under one roof. This aims to reduce the time women spend navigating fragmented healthcare systems. There is also a push for improved maternity care, expanded training for healthcare professionals, and increased research into underexplored conditions such as endometriosis and menopause. These steps aim to close gaps caused by socioeconomic and regional disparities.
Our new programme for International Women’s Day 2025
In light of these issues, ITN Business will be launching a new programme for International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, to drive awareness and further the conversation around global health inequities and the significant barriers women still face in accessing proper healthcare.
Anchored by renowned presenter and broadcaster Louise Minchin, ITN Business’ news-style programme will dive into the ongoing efforts to close the gender health gap, highlighting groundbreaking innovations and organisations making strides towards health equity in the UK.
Through inspiring stories and expert insights from thought-leaders International Women’s Day (IWD), Wellbeing of Women (WOW), the British Menopause Society (BMS), and the RCOG, the programme will showcase how these trailblazers are working to ensure women everywhere receive the care they deserve. By elevating diverse voices and important narratives, the aim is to inspire action among policymakers, healthcare providers, and corporate leaders around the world.