RCOG calls for reform to women’s health services

A radical shake-up of women's health services in the UK is necessary if the NHS is to cope with changing demands, according to a new report.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has published a document that highlights concerns over the effect financial pressures and wider NHS reforms will have on women's healthcare, particularly in the face of demographic changes and rising complexity.

It is therefore recommending that a series of major changes are implemented, including services provided by managed clinical networks, universal standards and a life-course approach to health, leveraging every interaction women have with the NHS.

These and other initiatives have been recommended in order to ensure that a new healthcare paradigm is embraced that is centred on prevention, rather than intervention.

Dr Tony Falconer, president of the RCOG, said: "There is scope for significant improvement and an urgent need to elevate the standards of care in all parts of the UK."

Last month, the organisation called for women with congenital heart disease to be referred to clinics where they can seek advice on contraception and fertility, which will help them to stay aware of potential risks.