Forest MP Matt Bishop launched his new women and girls’ health campaign with an important community conversation bringing together women and girls from across the constituency to share their experiences of healthcare.

The Women and Girls’ Health Conversation, held at Speech House last Thursday (September 17) provided an opportunity for women of all ages to speak about their experiences of seeking healthcare and support, from their earliest experiences through the different stages of life.

The women were also able to raise concerns and suggest where improvements are needed in local healthcare.

Among the issues raised during the conversation were access to maternity care closer to and in the Forest of Dean, misdiagnosis and feeling unheard, and lack of support through the menopause and perimenopause, as well as concerns regarding home birthing and general access to healthcare locally.

Women attending also spoke about struggles with getting a diagnosis of endometriosis and rare cancers, with discussions highlighting the importance of women being listened to, having their concerns taken seriously, and being able to access the right expertise and support when they need it.

Before the event, Mr Bishop had said that too often women and girls were not listened to, their symptoms dismissed, or the right support and expertise is out of reach.

The campaign is intended to ensure that those experiences are heard and that women and girls have a direct voice in conversations about how healthcare can be improved locally.

“I am grateful for all the women who attended this important event, and for their courage in sharing their personal experiences.

“We heard some deeply moving stories, and it is clear that not only do things need to change around women’s access to and experience of healthcare, but that spaces where women feel heard and supported are important, too.

“I made a commitment in that room to everyone who attended — and to those who couldn’t be there, too — that this conversation would not end with this event. I will continue to engage with women, hold events like this and report back on the work I am doing and the progress being made. Most importantly, I will ensure this remains a two-way conversation, with the real experiences and voices of women across the Forest of Dean continuing to drive this work.

“Much needs to be done. The Government is working hard through its 10-Year Health Plan, with a strong focus on healthcare for women and girls, but locally there is also much that can be done to strengthen support for women across the Forest of Dean.

“The next stage of this campaign will see me inviting healthcare professionals from across the Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire to hear their perspective, understand the challenges across the system, and work towards a more joined-up approach that ensures women get the best possible outcomes.”

Gloucestershire-based gynaecologists also attended, joining women from across the Forest to listen to their experiences and contribute to the discussion.