Expert advocates for increased funding for women’s healthcare in Jersey

A former consultant gynaecologist at a hospital stated that women in Jersey “want to be heard and they need better access” to healthcare services. Neil MacLachlan advocated for increased financial support and attention for women’s health initiatives on the island. Mr. MacLachlan, who is a co-partner of Women’s Health Hub, noted that accessing specialized healthcare services can be challenging. He elaborated that women suffering from endometriosis might face an eight-year wait for a diagnosis, and funding for incontinence problems had been removed, even though this condition impacts 60% of women at some point in their lives. Mr. MacLachlan asserted that the secondary healthcare system for women required reconstruction. The government is expected to publish the findings of a women’s health survey; however, Mr. MacLachlan expressed his view that the Jersey questionnaire was superfluous. He pointed out that the UK government’s survey, carried out in 2019, featured a significantly larger sample size, which facilitated easier interpretation of responses. Mr. MacLachlan further stated that while the government “recognise that we need our own women’s health strategy,” the primary obstacle is funding. In June, the budget deficit for Health and Community Services reached £24m. Deputy Andy Howell, Assistant Minister for health and social services, revealed intentions to re-establish a women’s ward within the hospital. She stated: “In response to comments from Islanders, Rayner Ward, in Jersey General Hospital is scheduled to be refurbished and re-opened in 2025, with a view to improving the quality and experience of care for women who are undergoing gynaecological surgery and breast surgery.” She also mentioned that the maternity ward had recently undergone refurbishment, and breast screening would transition to an opt-out service for women over 50 beginning early next year. Mr. MacLachlan commented: “It’s extraordinary that we’re even having to discuss having a women’s health ward where, 30 years ago, we’d developed a women’s health ward, a women’s gynaecological ward. “Then, about four years ago that was taken away so, to put that as part of the women’s health strategy is not really fair. It’s a basic requirement.”