Story perspectives

Women Awaiting Gynaecological Care Doubles Amid NHS Criticism

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The number of women waiting for gynaecological procedures has doubled since 2020, rising to over 565,000, per BBC.
Zoe Trafford, a Liverpool hairdresser, has endured endometriosis since her teens, saying NHS support is inadequate despite a 2022 strategy.
The government plans a "patient power payment" scheme to gather feedback and improve services.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that many women feel marginalized, while critics call for a clear UK-wide roadmap.

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Story summary

The number of women waiting for gynaecological procedures has doubled since 2020, rising to over 565,000, per BBC.
Zoe Trafford, a Liverpool hairdresser, has endured endometriosis since her teens, saying NHS support is inadequate despite a 2022 strategy.
The government plans a "patient power payment" scheme to gather feedback and improve services.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that many women feel marginalized, while critics call for a clear UK-wide roadmap.