In the UK, the gynaecological care crisis has escalated at an alarming rate, with over 750,000 women enduring extended waits for vital treatments. This backlog has more than doubled in the last five years, making gynaecology the fastest-growing waiting list among elective specialties.

These delays have significant consequences: a survey by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) revealed that 88% of healthcare professionals observed worsening symptoms in their patients due to prolonged waiting times. Additionally, 70% reported an increase in emergency gynaecological cases, underscoring the severity of the situation.

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[…] women are paying up to £11,154 for procedures like hysterectomies in private hospitals due to NHS delays.

Gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and adenomyosis, which have symptoms of severe pain, heavy bleeding, and fertility issues, are being left untreated for extended periods, exacerbating suffering and diminishing quality of life. Many women find themselves unable to work or perform daily activities, leading to financial strain and loss of independence. The psychological toll these conditions take is equally concerning, with increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions reported among those awaiting treatment.

In response to these challenges, a growing number of women are turning to private healthcare options; however, this shift comes at a considerable cost. Research indicates that women are paying up to £11,154 for procedures like hysterectomies in private hospitals due to NHS delays. For example, Rachel Bevan, a 33-year-old woman from Aberystwyth, spent over £10,000 for the diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis and deep endometriosis in order to avoid waiting years to receive treatment through the NHS. Similarly, Abi, from Norfolk, paid nearly £12,000 for a hysterectomy to remove fibroids after an 18-month NHS waiting list, only to discover pre-cancerous cells post-surgery that would likely have developed into cancer without removal.

Lauren Phillips, a 37-year-old from London, experienced severe pelvic pain and heavy periods for over a decade. A GP referral on the NHS had an 18-month wait, so she sought private care. After being diagnosed with endometriosis via ultrasound, she underwent a £10,000 laparoscopy to remove an ovarian cyst. 

“For me, the surgery was worth that cost,” Phillips said. “I was in a position to have some savings, but I did have to borrow money from family as I am self-employed, so that was a consideration for me.”

Cases like this underscore a broader trend in healthcare: women are depleting savings, borrowing money, or seeking financial assistance from family or friends to be able to afford timely medical care. This situation raises concerns about equity and access to healthcare, as not all women have the means to pursue private treatment. This is particularly worrying as it could lead to a healthcare system where only those with financial resources receive prompt care.

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The [Plan for Change] agreement outlines how independent sector capacity can be utilised to tackle extensive waiting lists […]

The RCOG has called for urgent action, emphasising the need for increased funding, resource allocation, and strategic planning to tackle the gynaecology care crisis. They advocate for prioritising women’s health within the NHS framework, ensuring that gynaecological services receive the attention and resources necessary to meet the growing demand.

In January 2025, the UK government addressed the escalating gynaecological care crisis by establishing a partnership with the independent healthcare sector. This collaboration aims to alleviate the NHS backlog, particularly in specialties like gynaecology, where around 260,000 women have been waiting over 18 weeks for treatment.

The agreement outlines how independent sector capacity can be utilised to tackle extensive waiting lists, aiming to provide patients with greater choice over when and where they receive their treatment. This initiative is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, which seeks to meet the 18-week waiting time standard for NHS operations.

The current state of gynaecological care in the UK represents a critical challenge within the healthcare system. The prolonged waiting times and resultant shift toward private care by many women not only highlight systemic inefficiencies but also raise ethical concerns about equitable access to essential health services. Addressing this crisis requires comprehensive policy interventions, increased investment in women’s health, and a commitment to reducing waiting times to ensure that all women receive the timely and effective care they need.

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