Supporting development of our Women’s Health Programme
In late 2023, to inform the development of the local women’s health implementation plan, in response to a national women’s health strategy, NHS Sussex commissioned local VCSE organisations to seek the views and experiences of local women marginalised groups, to add to existing insight.
As part of this work, we heard from:
- Young women and girls
- Young female carers
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller women
- Women living with long term health conditions and disabilities
- Women who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse
- Women who are homeless or insecurely houseD
- Neurodiverse women
- Arabic women (through an interpreter)
- Trans, non binary and intersex individuals
The insight has been summarized into a film.
Insight themes included women not feeling understood, heard, or informed around women’s health, with some feeling their healthcare needs are sometimes misdiagnosed, particularly around menopause and gynaecological problem, and pain not recognised. Several communities shared feelings that they have been actively discriminated against.
Suggested improvements included some form of health check or one stop shop, potentially in mobile hubs, where women can address several issues at once, more integrated and holistic care, joining up physical and mental health services, and reliable, jargon free information and education shared through social media.
To help ensure the insight gathered from women, girls and those who use women’s health services, a Women’s Lived Experience Network has been established.
The Network is led by Survivors’ Network and draws together women from a range of diverse groups to support co production as our model for women’s health develops over the next year.