NHS is letting women down through ‘medical misogyny’, says report

Exclusive: Mumsnet survey shows half of female patients feel they have been ignored or dismissed by medics

‘Medical misogyny’ is letting women down, the health secretary, Wes Streeting, has admitted, as a survey showed half of female patients felt they had been dismissed or ignored because of their sex.

A report from Mumsnet, which examined data taken from the site over the past decade, warned of “structural and deeply embedded” sexism in healthcare. And a survey of women using the site found that more than half believed the NHS was institutionally misogynistic.

50% of women believe they have been dismissed, ignored or not believed by an NHS professional because of their sex.

64% say they have been explicitly told their pain or symptoms were “normal” or “in their head”.

68% think the NHS does not take women’s health concerns seriously.