Women's Health Project Report

This is a report by Healthwatch Bury. Healthwatch Bury looked at women's health in the local area, in response to the women's health strategy of the government 2022.

A questionnaire was developed and carried out between November 2023 & February 2024. For the report Healthwatch talked to local groups, organisations and attended several events, including GM Women’s Health Strategy event in Stretford, GM Menopause event in Bury and International Womens Day (Women of Worth) and spoke to women of all ages across the Borough.

A total of 162 women took part in the work completing questionnaires either online or face to face and their experiences have been included in the report.

There are key findings in this report.

• Many respondents to our survey reported health concerns and symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause which are part of the normal life course journey & affect all women
• Experiences were very mixed, but satisfaction levels were generally higher if women felt listened to, received good information and had options/treatment explained to them
• A number of women reported having their symptoms dismissed as ‘too young for menopause’ or ‘its normal for your age’ or diagnosed with anxiety with little or inappropriate treatment offered
• Several women reported that mainstream treatments/medications were unsuitable for their symptoms due to other health issues, but GP’s lacked knowledge about suitable safe alternatives
• Lack of information available for women over what to expect, symptoms or where to get ‘trusted & reliable information’. This was particularly difficult for women where English was not the first language or some Jewish women who did not have digital access
• There was some reported confusion over where to go for contraceptive advice, particularly coil fitting and removal as some GP Practices offered this service, and others did not. Difficulty accessing sexual health clinic appointments were also noted.
• Concerns were raised by several women that they were now too old for screening services ie. mammograms and cervical smear tests. This caused them anxiety and impacted their mental health.
• Issues reported by Intersex or Transexual women when trying to access screening services. Staff dismissive and uninformed.

There are recommendations in this report

• Timely planning
• Accessible and useful information
• Knowledgeable and understanding staff
• Addressing diverse needs
• Personalised care
• Knowing the options 
• Holistic approaches

There are no follow up actions in the report.