‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored

‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored

Zoe Trafford, a hairdresser from Liverpool, recalls often acting as a confidante for her clients. But she says the roles flipped when she needed support from them. Diagnosed with endometriosis in her teenage years, Zoe has endured relentless pain and heavy bleeding. For years, medical professionals dismissed her symptoms as typical menstrual discomfort. She first shared her story with the BBC in 2022, during the release of England’s women’s health strategy under the Conservative government.

“They would say, ‘You’ll be alright, it’s just normal,’ but I never felt that way,” Zoe explained. “Being in pain isn’t normal—no one should have to live like that.”

Four years later, the strategy has been revisited by the Labour government. Zoe’s situation, however, has worsened. She underwent major surgery, losing her womb and part of her bowel, and now relies on a catheter for bladder drainage. “I’m still not being heard,” she said. “I’ve had the surgery, but complications keep rising, and no one seems to have a solution.”

Zoe’s experience highlights ongoing frustrations with the NHS, where women’s concerns are frequently overlooked. The updated strategy aims to address these issues, but critics argue progress has been slow. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that women have been treated as “second-class citizens,” with their pain seen as a minor inconvenience and their symptoms dismissed as exaggerated.

BBC analysis reveals the scale of the problem. Between February 2020 and January 2026, the number of women waiting for gynaecological procedures in England nearly doubled, reaching over 565,000. While waiting lists for other treatments also grew—by 58%—the increase for women’s care remains stark. The new plan includes measures like a “patient power payment” scheme, which will reward feedback and direct funds to areas needing improvement.

Streamlined referral processes and updated care standards are also part of the initiative. These changes aim to reduce delays and ensure better pain management during procedures. Yet, some experts remain skeptical. Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, praised the strategy but warned, “The situation for women remains deeply concerning, despite promises to reduce waiting times.”

Other groups question the strategy’s scope. The Royal Osteoporosis Society points out that no national plan exists for specialist services, despite prior commitments. Dr Sarah Jarvis, a GP and society ambassador, stressed that 2,000 lives are lost annually due to lack of clear action. Emma Cox of Endometriosis UK echoed this, calling nine-year diagnosis delays “totally unacceptable” and urging a detailed roadmap for implementation.

Meanwhile, the Scottish and Welsh governments have also introduced women’s health plans. Scotland’s phase two strategy, launched in 2024, focuses on improving access to gynaecological care. The Welsh plan, released the same year, seeks to “close the gender health gap” by prioritizing women’s needs across the NHS. These efforts underscore the growing push to ensure women’s voices are central to healthcare reforms.