Women in West Berkshire Are Being Heard

A progress update:

Over the past year, women across West Berkshire have been telling us they often feel left out when trying to get the women’s health services they need, whether that’s help with menopause, menstrual health, gynaecological conditions, contraception, pelvic health or wider emotional wellbeing.

To understand what’s really happening locally, in September, we launched our Listening to Women in West Berkshire survey. The response was powerful. Women shared honest, sometimes difficult experiences, and made it clear that things need to improve. We would like to thank everyone who responded to our survey and shared your thoughts, your ideas and your experiences.

Your voices are already making a difference.

We recently shared the results with Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire West ICB (BOB ICB), the organisation responsible for planning local NHS services , and had a further meeting where the lived experience responses given by you were read.

We are pleased to say they’ve heard you, they’ve taken it seriously, and your feedback will help shape the future of women’s health locally.

ICB Response & Summary

2025.12.04 Response Healthwatch West Berks women's health survey results.pdf

Download PDF • 156KB

Here’s what stood out from their response:

🌼 They thanked every woman who took part.

They said your honesty has helped shine a light on issues that often go unseen.

🌼 They recognised the wide range of concerns you raised.

From endometriosis and heavy bleeding to menopause, mental health, cancer, and the impact of violence , the ICB agreed these issues need to be looked at across a woman’s whole life, not in isolation.

🌼 They accepted that women face real barriers to accessing the right care.

This includes long waits, lack of local options, and not always feeling listened to.

🌼 They were concerned by how many women are paying privately or travelling abroad for care.

They said this must be taken into account when planning services going forward.

🌼 They confirmed that your feedback will directly shape the new Women’s Health Strategy for the area.

This means your voices will influence what services look like and where they’re located.

🌼 They want to keep working with us, and with local women.

They’ve said they’re committed to listening and improving experiences, access and outcomes.

What This Means Going Forward

Your feedback has reached the people who make decisions, and they’ve acknowledged that women in West Berkshire deserve better. We see this as an important step in the right direction, and we will continue to work with them to make sure the promises turn into real change.

Healthwatch West Berkshire will continue to monitor progress, share updates, and keep championing women’s voices at every stage.

If you have more to share about your experience of women’s health services — good or bad — we’d love to hear from you. Your voice really does make a difference.