Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 41
41
Not Addressed
Women's health hub model shows promise but faces systemic challenges and risks unequal access.
Conclusion
The expansion of the women’s health hub model has the potential to be a positive step towards providing the joined-up care and commissioning needed to effectively support women experiencing reproductive health conditions. However, the women’s health hub model exists within a healthcare system which has significant commissioning, funding, workforce and expertise problems, particularly in the area of reproductive health. There are also risks that those not yet served by hubs, or with limited access such as in rural areas, will be disadvantaged. (Paragraph 159) 79
Government Response Summary
The government highlights its commitment to neighbourhood health services and the positive impact and cost-benefit of women's health hubs, noting ICBs are responsible for commissioning these services. It does not directly address the committee's concerns about systemic problems or risks to underserved areas.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
We are committed to moving towards a neighbourhood health service, with more care delivered in local communities, to identify and address problems earlier and closer to home. Women’s health hubs are an example of this approach and can play a key role in delivering the government’s manifesto commitments on tackling long NHS waiting lists, as well as shifting care into the community. We have heard evidence from ICSs on the positive impacts that women`s health hubs have on both women's access to care in the community and their experience. The published Women's health hubs: cost benefit analysis demonstrated £5 benefits for every £1 spent on women’s health hubs. ICBs are responsible for commissioning services that meet the healthcare needs of their local population, and they have the freedom to do so - this includes women's health hubs. The core specification for women’s health hubs (linked in the government response to 'Recommendation 3' in 'Public understanding of reproductive health conditions' above) encourages ICBs to consider providing ultrasound and other diagnostic or treatment procedures in their women’s health hubs.