Call to action for women's 'health revolution'

The Big Conversation was launched at an event hosted in Gateshead

More action is needed to narrow gaps in care and improve women's health outcomes, according to a recent study.

An assessment by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) highlighted the need for more work around conditions such as endometriosis and poly-cystic ovary syndrome.

It also suggested women in affluent communities benefit more from hormone replacement therapy during menopause than those in deprived communities.

A large-scale survey has been launched as part of an attempt to put the region "at the heart of a revolution in women's health".

To understand the impact of the issues identified by the ICB and "learn from lived experience", the Big Conversation initiative was launched last week.

Its survey will gather views from women across the region on their experiences of health care.

Samantha Allen, the ICB's chief executive, said women live longer than men but spend more of their lives sick or disabled.

She said many women report not being listened to by health professionals and that the NHS has not always understood women's health needs "as well as it could".

"We need to change that," Ms Allen added.

"If we can make things better for girls and women, everyone benefits."

The survey will focus on areas including menstrual health and gynaecological conditions, menopause, cancer, fertility, pregnancy loss and postnatal support.