Women across Scotland are voicing frustration over continued struggles to access essential healthcare services, despite the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan. The initiative, which ran from 2021 to 2024, aimed to improve care for conditions like menopause and endometriosis. However, recent findings indicate that many feel left behind, battling long wait times and dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers.
A new survey by McKeown Medical reveals that almost 90% of respondents are worried about the availability of health screenings for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and gynecological issues. Many also report feeling unheard, particularly in cases involving menopause and chronic pain disorders.
Endometriosis and Menopause Care Still Lagging
For women suffering from endometriosis, the diagnosis journey remains an uphill battle. Currently, it can take up to eight years for a definitive diagnosis, with many women being dismissed or prescribed painkillers without further investigation.
Dr. Iain Martin, a consultant gynecologist at McKeown Medical, highlights the systemic failure to address women’s health concerns. “The average time for an endometriosis diagnosis is still around eight years,” he said. “Women are often told their pain is normal, handed medication, and only referred to a specialist when symptoms become unbearable. By that time, the damage is often done.”
Despite the establishment of four endometriosis treatment centers in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Dundee, there has not been a significant increase in referrals. This suggests that awareness among general practitioners (GPs) and frontline medical staff remains insufficient.
Women Feel ‘Gaslighted’ by Medical Professionals
The survey also found that only 2% of women believe their GP provides adequate care for specialized women’s health concerns. Many respondents described feeling dismissed, as if their symptoms were exaggerated or irrelevant.
Dr. Rhona Cameron, Medical Director at McKeown Medical, notes that this issue is long-standing. “Women have spent decades being told that severe pain, exhaustion, and hormonal imbalances are just part of being female. The frustration we’re hearing isn’t new, but the volume is getting louder.”
Some of the key issues women highlighted include:
- A lack of access to gynecological services
- Insufficient menopause care and education
- Delayed screenings for breast and cervical cancer
- The psychological toll of untreated conditions and long waiting lists
Where Is the Funding Going?
Despite government promises, many question whether resources have been effectively allocated to tackle women’s health disparities. Dr. Martin emphasizes the sheer scale of the issue: “Women make up 51% of the population. Every single one will experience menopause, and nearly 10% will suffer from conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or endometriosis. Yet, funding and resources remain inadequate.”
Comparative Wait Times for Diagnosis
| Condition | Average Diagnosis Time | Common Initial Response from Doctors |
|---|---|---|
| Endometriosis | 8 years | Painkillers, birth control |
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | 2-3 years | Lifestyle changes suggested |
| Menopause-related issues | Varies | Often dismissed as ‘aging’ |
| Breast cancer | 1-2 months (after referral) | Screening delays common |
Calls for Change Are Growing Louder
Dr. Cameron stresses that the demand for better women’s healthcare far outweighs what’s currently available. “Women want more than just rushed consultations. They need long-term, personalized care from doctors who understand their conditions. The government’s plan is a step forward, but it hasn’t addressed the fundamental gap between need and supply.”
Women across Scotland are increasingly advocating for systemic change, demanding that healthcare providers listen and take action. Whether the government will respond with meaningful reforms remains to be seen.
