Women’s healthcare in Derbyshire is ‘poor’

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Extensive waiting lists, delayed diagnosis and treatment, a lack of listening and knowledge shortfalls have led to concerningly “poor” healthcare for Derbyshire women, it has been claimed.

Criticism of healthcare provided by the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees Royal Derby Hospital, has been aired in an open letter.

Three MPs including South Derbyshire’s Samantha Niblett, Burton’s Jacob Collier and Lichfield’s Dave Robertson have signed the letter to UHDB’s chief executive, Stephen Posey.

In a post on social media Ms Niblett says: “I have been deeply disturbed, and quite frankly upset, by some cases that have been raised with me by constituents who are suffering in so much pain.”

She says the letter aims to address concerns about “poor provision of health care for many women across South Derbyshire”.

The letter seeks to “at least” have the most serious cases affecting women’s health to be re-evaluated and checked to see if they are still on the very waiting lists they believe to be on.

The MPs say this could include second opinions, case review or fast-tracking “to decrease the amount of waiting time and suffering”, with women experiencing “very real physical, psychological and social issues caused by their conditions”.

In response, the hospital trust has said “some women are waiting longer than the trust would like”, that it recognises the “significant impact” of the concerns raised and that demand for gynaecological services is high nationally.

The letter says the NHS body which develops health services across Derbyshire – the integrated care board – could look at providing funding to speed up the waiting lists for the top gynaecological conditions.

The MPs say: “We are writing to you to highlight our increasing concerns for our female constituents who are facing increasing hardship in seeking diagnosis and treatment for a range of gynaecological issues.”

This includes the length of time taken to secure a diagnosis for endometriosis, which affects one in 10 women, and involves extra tissue similar to the lining of the womb growing in other places such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, often leading to significant pain.

The letter mentions issues with “women not being listened to and heard when they tell clinicians they want surgery, do not want children and are making a fully-informed decision about their bodies.”

It says some women have “fallen off” waiting lists, “prolonging” their delay for treatment or diagnosis.

Meanwhile, delays are also being experienced for referrals, investigations, treatment specialist appointments and follow-ups.

The letter says there is “inconsistent knowledge and understanding” from staff about women’s gynaecological conditions including endometriosis, but also adenomyosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Adenomyosis involves the lining of the womb growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb, leading to pain for the patient.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is a hormone condition that can affect hair growth, periods, fertility and mood, the NHS says.

The letter mentions variation in care between clinicians and availability fluctuating based on geographical location; lack of continuity of care leading to frequent repetition from patients, lack of support for women waiting for diagnosis, diagnosis being treated as an “end point”, limited long-term management and follow-up for ongoing conditions, and issues with multidisciplinary care including pain management and physiotherapy.

It also says “poor” communication about investigations, treatment, diagnosis and ongoing care, as well as briefing about what to expect from procedures such as pain and discomfort.

MPs write that these issues have affected women’s employment, education, relationships, fertility, mental health and quality of life.

Dr Gis Robinson, the hospital trust’s executive chief medical officer, said: “We know that these health conditions can have a profound impact on every aspect of a woman’s life, and we welcome local MPs highlighting the experiences of their constituents.

“Our teams care for thousands of women every year and, while many receive excellent care, we know some women are waiting longer than we would like for diagnosis and treatment, which is why we are increasing clinic capacity, using additional specialist support and introducing dedicated women’s health ‘hubs’ with expert local GPs to provide faster assessment, advice and treatment closer to home.

“We are committed to listening to women, improving their experience of care and ensuring they receive the support they need while they wait.”