Tommy's joins call for Government to accelerate action on women's health

Tommy’s joins 48 organisations signing an open letter to Government as a new poll reveals only 5% of women think the Government is treating women’s health as a priority.

A new poll from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has revealed that only 5% of women surveyed think the Government is currently treating women’s health as a priority. Almost half (46%) of women said they find it difficult or very difficult to access the health services they need when they need them.*

On the eve of International Women’s Day, the RCOG, Tommy's and 47 other women’s heath charities and health organisations have signed an open letter to the UK Government calling for concrete commitments to ensure women receive the quality healthcare they need through their lives.

Key calls for action outlined in the open letter include:

  • Measures to address stark inequalities in health outcomes, including maternal deaths, stillbirth and premature births.
  • Commitment to long-term, sustained funding to address the complex systemic issues driving gynaecology waiting list growth.
  • Investment in maternity workforce recruitment, retention and training, including perinatal mental health services.
  • Continued support for women’s health hubs to improve women’s experience of care and access to services.
  • Visible and coordinated connections across government departments to achieve sustainable improvements in women’s health.


Dr Ranee Thakar, RCOG President, said:

"The Government was elected on a manifesto promise to prioritise women’s health and we are asking them to stand by this promise. 

"By investing in 51% of the UK population, they have an opportunity to not only improve women’s health and tackle health inequalities but to save the NHS money and drive UK economic growth too."

Jane Plumb, Chair of the RCOG Women’s Network, said:

"As we mark International Women's Day, we must accelerate action on women's health. Women deserve safe, personalised, and compassionate care throughout their lives."

The UK Government election manifesto promised “never again will women’s health be neglected,” yet the recent poll suggests more action is required to put women and girls at the heart of health policy. 

The upcoming Government Spending Review and 10-Year Health plan are crucial opportunities to put this right and help them to deliver on their promise of prioritising women’s health.

Through investment in the women’s health hub model, support for safe and personalised maternity care, and by tackling health inequalities, the Government can achieve its essential missions and deliver better health for women and girls across the country. 

Read the open letter to Government here.
 

* All figures YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1228 Women (18+). Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th - 21st February 2025.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults, routed to women only (aged 18+).