Empowering women’s health: Behind the scenes at a Women’s Health Hub

A place where women feel heard and supported

Too many women feel they’ve not been listened to when it comes to their health needs or that they must simply ‘put up’ with conditions that can greatly impact their lives.

Nestled in the Mile End Hospital, you will find the Tower Hamlets Women’s Health Hub, a place designed to prioritise women’s unique health needs and to treat women in a way that’s centred around them. It’s a place where women feel heard and supported.

And Women’s Health Hubs aren’t just in Tower Hamlets, they’re opening across north east London. As highlighted in the NHS 10 year health plan, they demonstrate how care can be proactive and localised – removing barriers and putting people at the centre.

The Hubs’ success highlights a shift towards neighbourhood-based care, and they are already delivering results: in Tower Hamlets, waiting times for gynaecology appointments have plummeted from 27 weeks to just 11, and, thanks to the Hub, less women are needing to visit a hospital with only 25% of gynaecology referrals needing hospital care during the first year of the Hub being open.

The Hub’s strength lies in its “under one roof” approach. Women can get help for period issues, menopause, and a wide range of conditions, often without having to make multiple appointments or travel far. This not only makes care more accessible but also helps ease the pressure on local hospitals. Tower Hamlets Women’s Health Hub is cited by NHS England as an exemplary model of more localised, person centric care.

Behind the lens: inspiring change

With these important changes in mind, we set out to meet some of the people behind the Women’s Health Hubs’ success and involve them in our new campaign which is putting the spotlight on women’s health and Women’s Health Hubs. We’re letting local women know they don’t have to suffer in silence, that help is available, and they will be heard. Our campaign materials have already reached thousands of people, and it’s one of our best performing campaigns on social media right now. However, we’re aware that video content can reach people in a powerful way. That’s why we recently created a new suite of videos, celebrating Women’s Health Hubs and how they can help women.

We had the privilege of spending a day filming at the Tower Hamlets Hub, where we were joined by health professionals from both the Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest Women’s Health Hub teams. Not only were we able to witness the Hub’s impact first-hand but also to capture its amazing health professionals on film. The result is a great new series of videos, dedicated to inspiring change when it comes to women’s health and letting women know how they can access support.

From gynaecologists to physiotherapists, we were inspired by the passion and expertise of the team. We saw first-hand the careful coordination required to deliver this level of person-centric care – from managing appointments to maintaining privacy and dignity for each woman. We caught on film the daily rhythm of the Hub and the people that are making change happen.

Those we filmed with expressed real pride in the work they do and told us one common message they hear so often from their patients, that for many women, when they visit the Hub, it’s the “first time they feel heard.”

Why are these videos important?

Our new suite of videos is more than a showcase of services; they are a call to action. Our core message throughout: we’re listening, and we are here to help. It was important to bring the Hubs’ story to life, for audiences to meet the real people who work there. There’s no one that can tell this story better than those who pour so much of their care, expertise, and passion into delivering care for local women.

Women’s health is not a “niche” concern but a vital part of community wellbeing. When women have access to comprehensive, compassionate care, the ripple effects are profound – healthier lives and communities and greater equality.

Bethany Hankinson-Neal, Digital Communications Officer, NHS North East London