Women's health in Salford

Healthwatch Salford wanted to look at women’s experience of care.  135 women took part in this project.

Most women tended to have a good idea of what they need in place to maintain a healthy life. Their experiences of using services seemed good, but their awareness of what services should be available to them was not so.

Physical exercise, staying connected with people and eating well were amongst the most popular ways in which the women looked after themselves. Several women describe how being involved in creative activities, either alone or with others, supports them with their wellbeing. Women spoke of how involvement in activity has got them through difficult situations including aiding recovery from addiction or more harmful lifestyles.

It was felt however that lack of knowledge or education, financial pressures, and family responsibilities, acted in some cases as barriers, which prevented some women from fulfilling these. Society and cultural (perceptions and ethnic differences) were also learned to be obstacles in which some women found difficult to overcome. Awareness of breast and cervical screening services was moderate with 89% of women eligible having had a cervical test and 81% of women eligible having had breast screening. To note, however that whilst they were within the age criteria for breast screening, 12% of these women had yet to receive an invite. Similarly, a large proportion (28%) of the women aged between 40 and 74 years were unaware that they could get an NHS health check with their GP.

The report contains a number of suggestions to improve healthcare for women, including access to female healthcare professionals, women only and family friendly exercise sessions, family friendly waiting rooms, women to be listened to.  The report also includes a response from Salford CCG.