Women in Scotland are voicing their concerns about the state of women’s health services, despite the promises made by the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan. The plan, which ran from 2021 to 2024, aimed to enhance menopause services and provide better care for conditions like endometriosis. However, a recent survey conducted by McKeown Medical reveals that many women feel they are still not receiving the necessary care.
The survey found that nearly 90% of women expressed worries about the lack of access to comprehensive health screening, including for issues like diabetes, heart disease, and other female-specific concerns. Among the key issues highlighted were the challenges in receiving adequate care for menopause symptoms and the frustration of being dismissed or gaslighted by medical professionals.
One of the most alarming findings was that it can take up to eight years for a diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition that causes chronic pelvic pain in many women. This delay in diagnosis could be significantly reduced with better support and resources for GPs. Additionally, only 2% of women surveyed believed that GP care adequately addressed specialist women’s health concerns, indicating a significant gap in services.
Expert Insights on Women’s Health Concerns
Dr. Iain Martin, a consultant gynecologist with McKeown Medical, shed light on the challenges faced by women in Scotland. He emphasized the historical neglect of women’s health issues within the medical profession and the current lack of infrastructure to support conditions like endometriosis. Dr. Martin highlighted the long wait times for diagnoses and the common experience of women feeling dismissed by healthcare providers.
According to Dr. Martin, the slow progress in developing endometriosis services in Scotland has left many women without the care they desperately need. Despite the establishment of four endometriosis centers in major cities, the number of referrals to these services has not increased significantly. This gap in care has been further underscored by the overwhelming response to the survey conducted by McKeown Medical.
The Call for Improved Women’s Health Services
Dr. Rhona Cameron, Medical Director at McKeown Medical, echoed the sentiments of frustration expressed by women in the survey. She emphasized the need for personalized, long-term care that truly understands and addresses women’s health needs. While acknowledging the efforts of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan, Dr. Cameron highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by women in accessing timely and comprehensive care.
Dr. Cameron emphasized the urgent need for tangible changes in women’s health services to meet the immediate needs of women across Scotland. She underscored the impact of cultural norms and societal expectations on women’s health, urging for a shift towards proactive and supportive healthcare practices.
In response to these concerns, Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto assured that the Scottish Government is working to improve the quality and access to specialist women’s health services. The government has allocated funds to address long waiting times for appointments and treatments, with a focus on gynecology services in the next phase of the Women’s Health Plan.
Women’s health remains a critical area that requires attention and investment to ensure that all individuals receive the care and support they deserve. As women continue to advocate for better services and resources, it is essential for healthcare providers and policymakers to listen to their voices and take decisive action to address the unmet needs in women’s health care across Scotland.
