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Women across the UK are enduring excessive delays for essential NHS care, a situation described as a consequence of “medical misogyny” by Dr Alison Wright, the president of the Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (RCOG). As the government prepares to unveil a new strategy aimed at addressing these pressing issues, the stark reality of women’s healthcare inequalities remains a critical concern.
Alarmingly High Waiting Times
Recent statistics reveal a troubling trend in women’s gynaecological health services. As of January 2026, over 565,000 women are on waiting lists for gynaecology appointments in England, a substantial increase from just over 279,000 in 2019. Shockingly, only 56 per cent of women are receiving treatment within the NHS’s target timeframe of 18 weeks following a referral—one of the most concerning performance metrics among specialties. This disparity is particularly alarming given that women represent half of the population.
Dr Wright highlighted the disproportionate impact of these waiting lists on women suffering from chronic conditions like endometriosis and fibroids, which often go unrecognised and untreated for far too long. The implications of such neglect extend beyond long wait times; they are forcing women into emergency rooms for situations that should be managed in a timely manner through routine care.
The Emergency Room Overflow
The increase in emergency admissions for gynaecological issues paints a grim picture. The number of women needing urgent care has surged from 162,000 in March 2020 to 196,000 by March 2025. Dr Wright noted that many women are arriving at A&E with severe symptoms—such as anaemia or the need for blood transfusions—when their conditions should have been managed earlier in a gynaecological clinic.
“A significant portion of these women should never have had to come to A&E,” Dr Wright stated. “Yet, due to long waiting lists, they end up presenting with acute symptoms that could have been addressed much earlier.” Unfortunately, conditions like fibroids and endometriosis have historically been viewed as benign, despite their debilitating nature, resulting in inadequate prioritisation within the healthcare system.
The Strain on Medical Professionals
The challenges facing healthcare providers in gynaecology are equally daunting. A recent survey conducted by the RCOG revealed that approximately 80 per cent of gynaecologists are exhibiting signs of burnout. “This is a worrying trend, not only for the wellbeing of our workforce but also for the quality of care that women receive,” Dr Wright explained. “When professionals are burnt out, it can directly affect their ability to provide the necessary care our patients deserve.”
Dr Wright emphasised the need for systemic changes to alleviate these pressures. “We are committed to listening to women and improving their care, but the current system is not conducive to achieving these goals. We find ourselves in a vicious cycle where burnout hampers the quality of care that can be delivered.”
Looking Ahead: A New Strategy for Women’s Health
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is set to reveal a renewed Women’s Health Strategy that aims to tackle these profound inequalities. In his March address, he promised to empower women and combat medical misogyny, hinting at significant policy changes ahead.
Dr Wright expressed hope that the forthcoming strategy will provide the NHS with a much-needed opportunity to reprioritise women’s health. She advocates for the establishment of women’s health hubs that would integrate services from general practitioners, specialist gynaecologists, and sexual health professionals. Such hubs could direct women to appropriate care without unnecessary hospital visits. A successful pilot in Tower Hamlets showed that only 25 per cent of women referred to a health hub required hospital intervention, a stark contrast to the 85 per cent who previously sought care in hospitals.
Moreover, it is crucial to address the disparities faced by Black and Asian women, who often experience longer wait times for gynaecological services than their white counterparts. Tackling these inequities is essential for fostering a more inclusive healthcare system.
Why it Matters
The ongoing crisis in women’s healthcare is a matter of social justice and medical ethics. As women continue to face systemic barriers to timely and appropriate care, the need for reform has never been more urgent. The upcoming strategy from the government represents a pivotal moment to rectify these injustices and ensure that women receive the respect and care they deserve within the NHS. Only through collective action and unwavering commitment can we hope to dismantle the barriers of medical misogyny and guarantee equitable healthcare for all women.
