The provision of PPC perfectly exemplifies the consequences of this fragmentation as clinicians and patients are forced to fight siloed arrangements to be able to deliver the essential care regarded as ‘common sense’ by many. The Government now has an opportunity to introduce the clarity, accountability and collaboration into PPC provision that is urgently needed. This will be implemented alongside the welcome shifting of services towards preventative, efficient care in the community that will improve outcomes and tackle health inequalities - all goals that are central to PPC provision. We strongly believe that ensuring access to contraception should be a key priority for this Government, including a focused effort to improve the provision of PPC. The Government’s key stated ambitions for the health service, to strategically shift services towards preventative, efficient care in the community that will improve outcomes and tackle health inequalities, are all goals that are central to PPC. We sincerely thank all individuals, professionals and organisations who have given their time and expertise to contribute to this report and to the delivery of PPC services across the UK. We warmly welcome the report’s recommendations and very much look forward to working with colleagues in the health sector and policymakers across the country to ensure that all women and their partners are able to access the contraceptive care they need post-pregnancy.
It is women and their experiences who are central to this report. Their testimonies show us the barriers women still face in accessing contraceptive care during and after pregnancy. It is for this reason we came together, as Presidents of the CoSRH and RCOG to show how SRH and maternity professionals are united in consensus for this report’s ambition and recommendations. We both warmly welcomed the Government’s commitment in its Manifesto: “Never again will women’s health be neglected. Labour will prioritise women’s health as we reform the NHS” 23 as well as the intention to strategically rebuild the NHS so it is fit for future generations. Specifically, in its 10 Year Plan for the NHS, the Government recognises the longstanding issue of fragmented commissioning and the detrimental impact of this particularly has on women’s experiences of health services.
Dr Janet Barter is President of the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and a Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare in East London. After medical training in Sheffield, and time as a GP trainee, she embarked on a career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, driven by a strong interest in women’s health shaped by experiences in the UK and West Africa. As the specialty of SRH developed she became embedded in the Specialty as a Consultant, Educator and Leader and has worked clinically across the whole sphere of SRH.
Dr Janet Barter President, The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare
Prof Ranee Thakar MD FRCOG is the President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, a Consultant Obstetrician and Urogynaecologist at Croydon University Hospital, an Honorary Senior Lecturer at St George’s University of London, and Honorary Professor of Women’s Health at the University of Liverpool.
Prof Ranee Thakar President, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
23 The Labour Party, Change Labour Party Manifesto 2024.
14
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker