Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen is urging women across North West Leicestershire to respond to the Government's call for evidence to help inform its landmark Women's Health Strategy.

The strategy will look at health issues specific to women and the different ways in which women experience health issues.

Over 75,000 individual women, organisations, clinicians and carers have responded so far – and the call for evidence has now been extended to June 13, allowing even more time to respond.

Mr Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, is encouraging women across the district to come forward and share their experiences through the Government's consultation to reshape the future of women's healthcare.

The first of its kind, the Women's Health Strategy will address women's health in England over the course of their lifetimes from adolescence through to older age.

It will focus on health issues specific to women as well as the ways in which women experience health issues.

First launched in March, there has already been an big response to the call for evidence, with over 75,000 women, organisations, clinicians and carers responding so far.

However, responses from the East Midlands make up just eight per cent of the total responses so far – meaning women across the region may not be properly represented in the new strategy.

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To enable as many women as possible to have their say and capture a variety of views on access to services, experiences and health outcomes, the call for evidence will be now extended by two weeks.

Mr Bridgen said: "Every one of us should have confidence in the health and care we receive – but for too long, women have been experiencing a system that is not designed to meet their needs.

"As we look towards our recovery and building our NHS back better, we must seize this moment to deliver a system that truly delivers for women, and we want them to have their say in shaping the future of women's healthcare.

"I would encourage women across North West Leicestershire to come forward and share their experiences, so together we can deliver fairer, more equal and better healthcare for everyone in this country".

Minister for Women's Health Nadine Dorries added: "For generations, women have been living in a health and care system primarily designed by men, for men.

"The number of responses to date has been incredible and I thank everyone who has shared their experiences – these interim findings clearly highlight the need for decisive action.

"I now urge every woman in North West Leicestershire, if they have not yet, to come forward and respond to the call for evidence.

"It is only by hearing the experiences and priorities of women from all walks of life that we can truly develop a strategy that works for all women."

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