Women’s Health Strategy

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff Excerpts

Tuesday 16th December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My examination of the gynaecology waiting lists shows a gradual decline since August 2023. However, I absolutely agree with the noble Baroness that the waiting lists are far too long: it is unacceptable. We are now seeing 57% of gynaecology referrals being seen within 18 weeks, compared with 62% across all specialities. I do not want to hide behind improvement, welcome though it is, but we also know that almost nine out of 10 women on the gynaecology waiting lists are waiting for an outpatient appointment. That is why the big change through the 10-year plan is absolutely crucial, as we move from hospital to community. In the women’s health strategy renewal we will be focusing very much on improvement of gynaecology care. I share the noble Baroness’s view on that.

[Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (CB)]

My Lords, looking beyond gynaecology at women’s healthcare overall, do the Government recognise the importance of public health messaging? Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in 30 to 50 year-olds. Often it is diagnosed late, yet there are some important public health initiatives such as good diagrams in women’s changing rooms in large stores. I hesitate to mention the name of one chain —although I am tempted to—where there are excellent diagrams to help women understand that, if they have any symptoms at all, they should seek help. There are similar messages about mental health in places that women go. It means we are dealing with women in a more holistic way, irrespective of age.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is absolutely right, and we are taking every opportunity to find the right ways to communicate with women about their healthcare. If I had to give a big message, it would be, “Don’t not put up with it”. That is a basic challenge to get across, because so many women do put up with health challenges when they should not. Many women’s health challenges have become normalised—“It’s just part of life, it’s your age” and so on—and I am very keen that, in the renewed women’s health strategy, we will take on that myth and also take on the services to match that.