Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 34
34
Deferred
Paragraph: 129
GPs struggle to diagnose complex reproductive health conditions due to systemic pressures.
Conclusion
GPs face difficulties diagnosing complicated reproductive healthcare conditions which may present with a variety of symptoms. They face workplace pressures, have short consultation times, and can struggle to access training and guidance. While it is positive to see that medical guidelines and assessments are being updated, further work on professional standards is required if the invalidation that women have reported during this inquiry is to be adequately addressed.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the importance of early intervention and referred to NHS England’s plan to reform elective care and meet the 18-week referral-to-treatment standard by March 2029, which aims for earlier diagnoses and treatment. It did not commit to further work on specific professional standards for GPs.
Paragraph Reference:
129
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government recognises that early intervention is crucial to prevent women’s reproductive health conditions from worsening and support women to remain in education and work. As set out in previous responses to ‘Recommendation 5’ and ‘Recommendation 6’ (see ‘Accessing a diagnosis’ above), and ‘Recommendation 16’ and ‘Recommendation 17’ (see ‘Accessing treatment and support’ above), NHS England’s plan on reforming elective care for patients sets out how the NHS will reform elective care services and meet the 18-week referral-to-treatment standard by March 2029, meaning earlier diagnoses and treatment. Information on future funding allocations will be announced in due course.