Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 45
45
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 163
Postcode lottery in primary care access to long-acting reversible contraception creates delays and burdens.
Conclusion
There remains a postcode lottery of access in primary care to long-acting reversible contraception. As a result, some women are having to seek care from secondary or community services, leading to delays in treatment and an unnecessary burden on secondary care. This is a preventable cost to the system and to the wellbeing of the individual. While the establishment of women’s health hubs may go some way to addressing this concern, in areas where hubs are not established other solutions will be required.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the vital role of GPs in LARC provision and states it will consider fee structures and announce future funding allocations in due course, while continuing to work with partners to understand training issues.
Paragraph Reference:
163
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), as one of the most effective and cost-effective forms of contraception, plays a crucial role in supporting women’s reproductive health by: • enabling women to make decisions on if and when they want to become pregnant • supporting the management of menstrual problems and menopause symptoms We acknowledge the vital role that GPs play in the delivery of high-quality sexual and reproductive health services, including provision of LARC. We continue to work with GPs, local authorities and other partners to understand the issues around the training required to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of the population in multiple settings. We will consider the fee structures for LARC, which will also cover areas beyond women’s health hubs. To support a sustainable delivery model, it is important that those commissioning LARC services fully understand local capacity and demand. Information on future funding allocations will be announced in due course.