Every woman’s health matters: Help shape the future of local women’s health and care services

Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire (HWLL) and Healthwatch Rutland (HWR) are calling on women and girls of all ages, backgrounds and communities to take part in a new survey about their experiences of health and care services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).

The survey titled "Every Woman's Health Matters" aims to gather real stories and insights to help influence and improve how local NHS and care services support women and girls.

"We know that many women struggle to get the care, information or support they need. We want to change that, but we can't do it without hearing directly from local women," said Harsha Kotecha, Chair of Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire.

The survey is open to anyone who uses women's health services. Whether you've struggled to be heard, had trouble finding the right support, or want to highlight what's working well, your voice can make a difference.

"In Rutland, we know that rural communities often face unique challenges in accessing women's health services. This survey is a vital opportunity for local women and girls to share their experiences - good or bad - so we can work together to make services more inclusive, responsive, and tailored to their needs," said Dr Janet Underwood, Chair of Healthwatch Rutland.

The survey takes 10 minutes to complete and is entirely anonymous. The findings will be shared with NHS and care leaders to highlight gaps and promote change.

Take part in the survey
Visit: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WomansHealthMatters

Message from the Women's Health Team

We know that women's voices haven't always been heard in health and care, so making sure they are, is our top priority.

Following the National Women's Health Strategy (2022), Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) is committed to doing things differently. One of our key pledges is to listen to girls and women, understand their health needs, and design services around them.

Pledge 12: 'We will ensure that our health and care system listens to the voices of women and girls; their health care needs will be understood, and services will be developed and tailored to meet their specific needs'.

This engagement programme will gather real stories and ideas from women, girls and local communities. Together, we will create a more inclusive and responsive approach to women's health across LLR.

This work is part of a wider effort to combine data and personal experiences, helping us improve how women experience care.

We would love to hear from you. Your feedback is vital in shaping services, not just for today, but for future generations of women and families.

Topic-based surveys
There are also separate topic-based surveys for those who want to share more. The topics covered in the surveys include:

1. Mental Health and Wellbeing
2. Menstrual health and gynaecological conditions
3. Women's cancers
4. Menopause
5. Pregnancy loss and postnatal support
6. Sexual health including contraception
7. Termination of pregnancy
8. Violence against women and girls
9. Healthy ageing and long-term conditions

Complete a survey: www.healthwatchll.com/WomansHealthMatters

Focus Groups
We will be holding focus groups in communities across LLR and would welcome the opportunity to visit your group. Please contact our team at outreach@healthwatchll.com and info@healthwatchrutland.co.uk if you have any questions and would like to take part.

We are especially keen to hear from:

• Young women and girls aged 14+
• Disabled women
• Carers
• Women from ethnic minority communities
• LGBTQ+ people accessing women's health care
• Those living in rural or underserved areas

If you need support completing surveys or would like them in another format, please contact us at 0116 257 4999 or email enquiries@healthwatchll.com.