A Visit to 10 Downing Street

It’s not every day you get invited to Number 10 Downing Street, but what a privilege it was - and to be in such good company too! It was lovely to share the occasion with some old friends and new ones as I joined Dr Philippa Kaye, Dr Nighat Arif, Davina McCall, and Dr Aziza Sesay, to name but a few.

The purpose of the meeting was to hear from Women’s Health Ambassador Prof Dame Lesley Regan and Maria Caulfield MP, Minister for Women’s Health, about the plans for the new Women’s Health Strategy this year and to give our feedback on what we would like to see included in year two.

I had the opportunity to ask about their plans for GP training, and the takeaway message really seemed to be that education for all hcps and for women and girls has to be a priority. That and the rollout of women’s health hubs which is really positive.

The £25 million in funding which has been allocated to create new women’s health hubs is part of a ten-year plan aiming to improve the health and well-being of women and girls in England at all stages of life. These hubs have been introduced to reduce waiting lists, tackle health inequalities and improve access and quality of care for services for menstrual problems, contraception, pelvic pain, menopause care and more.

"Although a woman’s health needs change during her life course, most of them are predictable. It is crucial that we provide her with the best information and support at each and every stage of her journey."

— Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador

I’m feeling quietly optimistic about the future. There’s a huge remit here but with so many passionate and determined voices offering to help, I do think the future for women’s health is looking brighter than ever before!

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