Women's Health Network Launches in BLMK

The event, held at Venue 360, The Riverside in Luton, brought together NHS partners, including ELFT, with residents and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to improve health outcomes for women, following the introduction of the Government's first-ever Women’s Health Strategy for England in 2022.

ELFT's Medical Director for Luton and Bedfordshire, Dr Angharad Ruttley, took part in the event as a panel speaker, championing the importance of integrated care, psychological wellbeing, and a whole-person approach to health. 

She highlighted how addressing women's health must go beyond physical symptoms, recognising the deep connection between mental and physical health. 

"It was inspiring to see so many professionals and community leaders coming together to commit to real change. Women's health is about more than treating illness; it's about understanding lived experience, listening to what matters, and providing support that empowers women to live well. I’m proud that ELFT is part of this journey," said Dr Ruttley. 

The event panel was chaired by Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti, Deputy Medical Director of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board. Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador for England, gave an opening speech via videolink, while Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women’s Health at NHS England and Consultant in Hackney, delivered the keynote speech.

Dr Chakrabarti said: 

"Women’s health has long been neglected, with menstrual and reproductive health issues dismissed as ‘normal’ or else considered shameful and kept hidden away. In recent years, we’ve seen a profound shift in the conversation, with campaigners and public figures increasingly speaking out about their struggles with endometriosis, miscarriage, menopause, and everything in between."

"We’re ambitious for the people and communities we serve, who come from so many different backgrounds and have different experiences. Our network will help women to get the right support in the right place at the right time."

Panel Discussions: Experts engaged in panel discussions addressing critical topics such as women's health needs across different life stages, the role of Women's Health Networks, and strategies for raising awareness and improving access to evidence-based information and services.​

Workshops: Interactive workshops were held on subjects including empowering women with decision-making aids, measuring the impact of health interventions, and supporting women in the workplace.​

Networking Opportunities: Attendees had the chance to connect with professionals and organisations dedicated to enhancing women's health, fostering collaborations, and sharing best practices.​ 

The summit addressed several topics, including:​ 

1. What do women want and need from their healthcare, workplace, and society across BLMK?​
2. How do these needs differ across various communities and change throughout a woman's life course?​
3. What role do Women's Health Networks and hubs play in supporting women's health?​
4. How can employers contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of their staff?
5. How can technology assist in achieving these goals?​

"It was a great day for BLMK Women's Health. The presence of the national team at the event helped to drive our ambitions for the BLMK Women's Health Network. The event showcased so many innovative and important projects placing women's health front and centre — from improvements in cervical screening uptake to engagement, trust, and improving care for women who have experienced street-based exploitation," said Dr Sara Rassool, ELFT's Deputy Clinical Lead ICS Cancer Programme BLMK.

This summit was part of a broader initiative to enhance women's health and wellbeing in the BLMK region, building on previous events and ongoing efforts to address women's health needs across different life stages.

For more information, please visit the BLMK Health and Care Partnership page.