NHS Gynaecology Waiting Lists Up 60%

Gynaecology in the news

Figures have revealed that there are over half a million women in the UK waiting to see an NHS gynaecologist. With list up 60%, experts are predicting ongoing delays. 

As always, the pandemic is blamed for the jump in waiting lists, but gynaecology tops the list of the biggest increase.

Figures show over 570,000 women referred for gynaecology consultations and procedures with conditions including endometriosis, polyps, prolapse and menopause. Some will require surgery or intervention and are forced to live with discomfort and difficulties until they can be treated. A poll of those on the waiting list found 80% had suffered worsening mental health due to their wait and over 75% had struggled with work or social activities due to their problems.

Further data indicates that the number of women waiting over a year for routine treatment has leapt from 66 women pre-COVID to 25,000.

Dr Edward Morris, president of the The Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians said:

“‘At its core it is gender bias and it’s reflective of society as a whole. Women are being let down and change is urgently needed.”

The RCOG warned said that the ‘real’ waiting list is likely to be even bigger as lower number of referrals  were made during the pandemic. It estimated the number of women awaiting gynaecological care to be in the region of 850,000 in England.

Dr Morris continued:

“As a consultant gynaecologist, I personally feel helpless speaking to women about the impact these waits are having on both their physical and mental health, and not being able to do anything to speed up their access to care.

“The NHS must take meaningful action to ensure that those on waiting lists are given priority based on the impact that their conditions are having on their quality of life as a whole – especially as we emerge from the pandemic.”

Private Gynaecology Service, Bristol

For women taking matters into their own hands, The May Wellness Centre offers the services of Tracy-Louise Appleyard is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.

Tracy-Louise Appleyard has extensive experience in the NHS as well as offering private services. 

She offers support and expert advice to women through all stages of their gynaecological life and development.

Her special clinical interest and areas of speciality include:

• Periods,
• Perimenopause, menopause,
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Endometriosis
• Cervical disease (colposcopy lead)

Contact The May Wellness Centre

If you'd like to speak to someone about treatment with one of our professionals, please get in touch:

• Tel 0117 924 4592
• Email info@maywellnesscentre.co.uk
• Address 4 Redland Court Road, Bristol, BS6 7EE