Women’s Health Month

As Women’s Health Month comes to a close, we would like to highlight some of the recent changes and initiatives focused specifically on women’s health:

• The Women’s Health Strategy
• The renaming of PCOS
• The introduction of Jess’s Rule

With the introduction of these changes, it finally feels as though we are beginning to turn a corner and that women’s voices are being heard.

Why Women’s Health Research Matters

Although women generally have a longer life expectancy than men, they spend more years living in ill health. There are also significant inequalities in women’s healthcare, with factors such as ethnicity and socioeconomic background continuing to affect health outcomes and longevity.

Greater awareness, research, and earlier intervention are essential. Hopefully, with continued progress, it will no longer take an average of nearly nine years for conditions such as endometriosis to be diagnosed, only for symptoms to then be managed rather than the underlying cause treated.

The Women’s Health Strategy

The UK Government’s Women’s Health Strategy aims to improve the experiences women have when accessing healthcare services.

You can read the full strategy here: Women’s Health Strategy for England

Some of the key areas highlighted include:

• Investigation into maternity services
• Action to reduce gynaecological waiting lists
• Making the morning-after pill available free of charge at pharmacies
• Introducing menopause-related questions into routine health checks

These changes aim to improve both access to care and long-term health outcomes for women across the UK.

The Renaming of PCOS

Over the next three years, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) will be renamed PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Syndrome).

PCOS currently affects around 1 in 8 women in the UK and can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which significantly impact self-esteem, wellbeing, and quality of life. It can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

This change is particularly significant because it recognises that the condition is not solely gynaecological, but a whole-body metabolic disorder. It is hoped this shift in understanding will lead to more effective treatment options, rather than focusing purely on symptom management.

The Introduction of Jess’s Rule

Jess’s Rule is an NHS England and Department of Health patient safety initiative introduced following the tragic death of 27-year-old Jessica Brady, who repeatedly sought medical help for ongoing symptoms before later being diagnosed with advanced cancer.

More information can be found here: Jessica Brady Cedar Trust

Jess’s Rule introduces a “3 strikes” approach:

• If a patient visits their GP three times with the same unresolved or worsening symptoms without receiving a diagnosis
• The clinical team must discuss the case and:
  
  • Reflect
  • Review
  • Rethink the patient’s care

The aim is to encourage earlier investigation, improve communication, and reduce missed opportunities for diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

Women’s Health Month highlights the importance of continued progress in women’s healthcare. From improved awareness and earlier diagnosis to changes in national policy and patient safety initiatives, these developments represent positive steps forward. 

At SAS, our nurse team remains committed to providing informed, compassionate, and evidence-based care to support women at every stage of life. We are fortunate to have access to ongoing training opportunities and protected learning time, helping us ensure the advice and support we provide is accurate, up to date, and evidence-based.

If you want to discuss any of the topics mentioned or any other concerns you may have regarding your health or wellbeing, you can contact us by emailing nurse@uk-sas.co.uk, or calling 01773 814404.