Thousands of women in Liverpool can now access more women’s health services in the community and closer to home.
These hubs, which are based inside a number of GP surgeries in the city and can be accessed via a referral from a GP, bring together healthcare professionals and existing services to provide integrated women’s health services in the community, centred on meeting women’s needs.
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is an effective contraceptive method and treatment for menstrual disorders of which there is high demand in Liverpool, putting pressure on local services.
The roll-out of women’s health hubs increases the number of contraceptive and cervical screening appointments available in GP practices, with over 5,200 consultations delivered in 2022/23.
LARC prescribing rates in Liverpool GP practices have increased from 13.1 per 1,000 women prior to the adoption of the new model, to 21.9 per 1,000 – a significant shift which is now almost in line with the rest of England.
The hubs have also likely contributed to the increased uptake of cervical screening in Liverpool, by providing women the option of having their contraception and screening needs met in one integrated appointment.
The hubs are now further providing advice and support around other health needs and behaviours, including menopause, healthy weight, mental health and physical activity.
James Woolgar, Advanced Public Health Practitioner (Sexual Health) at Liverpool City Council, said:
"The introduction of women’s health hubs has been a game-changer for reproductive healthcare in Liverpool. By bringing services closer to where women live, we’re addressing long-standing barriers to accessing contraception, cervical screening and now menopause care. This integrated model means more women can take control of their reproductive health in a way that suits them, and it’s fantastic to see how this work is already making a real difference in the community."
Liverpool’s GP-led hub model was featured in the Department of Health and Social Care’s Women’s Health Strategy for Englandin 2022, which encourages the expansion of women’s health hubs in other parts of the country.
More recently, this work has been shortlisted for the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care Award at the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2024, where MPs nominate healthcare teams and individuals in their local area to highlight their exceptional commitment and achievements working in and with the NHS.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“Improving women’s health is a priority for us in Cheshire and Merseyside, and we are very proud of the work that partners in Liverpool have done on the roll-out of women’s health hubs.
“The initiative is a shining example of how organisations can work together to tackle health inequalities by adapting services to meet the needs of our population.
“The GP-led model in Liverpool has been showcased as an example of best practice in numerous publications, which is great to see, as is the expansion of the service to provide improved access to other women’s health services, such as menopause support.”
“We are grateful to Dan Carden MP for nominating the team to recognise their achievements and ongoing contribution to improving access to healthcare for women in Liverpool.”
Cllr Rahima Farah, Assistant Cabinet Member (Health) at Liverpool City Council, said:
“We are proud of the fact that we have developed an innovative model locally that improves access to care for women.
“The creation of the women’s hubs has allowed us to join services up to provide access to care and support for women in one appointment. The hubs are helping us to improve access to reproductive health care for some of our most underserved women in the city, and this is helping to reduce health inequalities”.
Winners of this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 14 October 2024, where finalists, healthcare leaders and MPs will come together to celebrate the immense contribution healthcare staff make to the NHS.
