Using women's health services in Oxfordshire

From August to October 2024 Healthwatch Oxfordshire heard from 684 people about their experiences of using women's health services in Oxfordshire.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire used an online survey, face-to-face conversations during outreach, in-depth interviews and focus groups to hear from a range of people across the county.

It asked people about accessing and using women’s health services, health services more generally, and getting breast or cervical screening.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire heard that many people had had both good and bad experiences of women’s health services. It heard many examples of good practice, but also that these experiences are not consistent, and many people have struggled, sometimes over many years, to get the help they need. It also heard that many people have challenges accessing care.

Based on what it heard, Healthwatch Oxfordshire made a series of recommendations, focusing on listening to and involving patients; information and communication and tackling barriers and improving quality of care.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire sent its report to local health and care providers and decision-makers, who have committed to improving people’s experiences by:

• Reducing waiting times for specialist women’s health clinics
• Improving patient information about screening and procedures, making sure it is culturally appropriate and available in different language and formats
• Training staff in cultural competence and trauma-informed care
• Setting up patient panels, including people from seldom heard groups, to shape services including menopause support
• Using what was heard to help set the key priorities for the local Women’s Health Strategy.