Update on the Women's Health Hub in West Berkshire

​Initial Project

In 2023 funding was given to BOB ICB by the NHS to implement Women’s Health Hubs in those areas that had no provision. The funding had a timeline of two years and BOB ICB started the initiative in 2023 with a conversation with Healthwatch across Berkshire West, which included Healthwatch West Berkshire, Healthwatch Reading, and Healthwatch Wokingham about what would be required for this initiative.

By 2024 Healthwatch realised the project although initially started, had not been progressed, and time was passing.

Healthwatch’s West Berkshire, Reading and Wokingham requested an update which revealed the funding had not been ring-fenced and utilised for its intended purpose.

Healthwatch queried the future plans for the Women’s Health Hub services, and consequently, some funding was then given to the Berkshire West Primary Care Alliance to provide a pilot service which would cover Pessaries and a Menopause service. However, the pilot service was very small due to the reduced funding allocated, and the time frame left to implement the services was greatly reduced.

The pilot was to initially run for 6 months until March 2025, which has now been extended until June 2025 due to funding for an evaluation by Healthwatch being returned to enable the service to continue for a limited period.

Healthwatch requested an update from BOB ICB regarding further women’s health service provisions, but was informed no further funding would be allocated.

Update – April 2025

The pilot scheme was a step forward, it does not fully address the wider need for improved women’s health services in our local area.

Women in West Berkshire have told us that they face challenges accessing essential healthcare, particularly for menopause support and gynaecological care. When funding is designated for new services, it is important that it is used effectively to benefit those it was intended for., and transparency about NHS spending is key to ensuring local communities receive the healthcare services they need.

These recent developments have raised important questions about NHS funding for women’s health services in West Berkshire. Money allocated to our local Integrated Care Board (ICB) for new services was not fully used as intended. Instead, much of it was directed towards existing services in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, rather than creating new provisions for women in West Berkshire.

As of now, the Primary Care Alliance have requested a discussion with BOB ICB with the hope that funding will be given to continue and expand the provisions initially set up by the pilot. BOB ICB have agreed to a meeting, and Healthwatch will keep you updated with further outcomes.

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