Steps forward for women's health but still a lot to do
I am writing on International Women’s day, a time to think about the position of women in this country and around the world. One of the aims is to ensure that women are in a position of power to make informed choices about their health.
Since my last blog focusing on women’s health there has been a very welcome move that will help some women with menopause symptoms to have a choice. The government has announced a new prepayment method that will reduce the cost of HRT prescriptions for many women will begin from 1 April 2023.
They have listened to those who have been campaigning including high profile women and some MPS. Those who contributed to the call for evidence which led to the Women’s Health Strategy for England have also played a part.
The cost of HRT prescriptions has been really significant due to the different hormone items being charged separately. The new scheme should allow for access to a year’s worth of HRT prescriptions for two prescription charges.
This will help many but of course not all, the current prescription charge is £9.35 per item and any cost will feel too much for some.
Recent work by Healthwatch highlights that women are being most disadvantaged by the rising cost of living. It also shows the people are starting to decide more often that they do not have the money to pay for prescriptions or for the cost of travel of phone calls to medical services. More women than men indicated that they have cut back on food or reduced or turned off their heating
Campaigning can work. Women must keep raising our voices and highlighting specific impacts on us and where our needs are not met in health and care.
Healthwatch Coventry is passionate about hearing from local people – what it is like to use or to try to access health and care services and support.
International Women’s Day 8 March 2023
Worldwide everyone can step forward to truly #EmbraceEquity
