Experience of NHS gynaecology care survey

 

Women and people with a uterus are being asked to share their experiences of gynaecology health care to help future services better meet their needs. 

Healthcare teams from NHS Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and Bristol City Council have launched a survey to gather views. 

Results will be used alongside focus group feedback to help design ways to improve future services for people living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. 

The online survey, which is open until 11 January, is asking for feedback from people: 

  • With heavy, very painful or irregular periods 
  • Experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms 
  • Living with pelvic floor problems, such as wee leaking or prolapse, which can feel like a heaviness in the vagina.

It does not include questions about fertility or infertility, pregnancy or maternity care, contraception, sexual health, cancer, or general access to GP or hospital care. 

The results will be used alongside local and national gynaecology reports that have already been done, including: 

These show: 

  • It is common to wait for a long time to see an NHS Gynaecologist (although the wait time is decreasing in hospitals in Bristol and Weston). 
  • There is variation in how women feel about their care. Some are satisfied, others feel dismissed, experience cultural insensitivity or do not feel able to trust healthcare providers. 
  • Many women would value more reliable and relatable information about women’s health symptoms and conditions. 
  • Many women prefer to see a female doctor for gynaecology care. 
  • Additional training and education for GP surgery staff will help improve care. 
  • Invasive procedures such as having an intrauterine device (coil) fitted can be a very difficult experience for some people.

A Gynaecology Healthcare Needs Assessment will be developed for the whole area by Bristol City Council by bringing all this information together. You can read examples of Health Needs Assessments on the Bristol City Council website. 

Complete the experience of NHS gynaecology care survey