Why Bluecrest wellness works for women

Have you ever been to see the doctor and felt like you hadn’t been listened to? Or have you been told that what you’re experiencing is ‘normal’ or even phycological rather than physical? Well that’s something that’s happened to 8 out of 10 women in the UK. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) launched a call for evidence in March 2021 to inform the first-ever government-led Women’s Health Strategy for England. Nearly 100,000 people got in touch, including women, their partners, and health professionals, and evidence was gathered into a report. It found that 84% of women had experienced ‘not being listened to’ at all stages of the healthcare pathway. Specifically, many women said their symptoms were not taken seriously or dismissed upon first contact with GPs, or that had to persistently advocate for themselves to get a diagnosis, often over multiple visits, months, and years. Once diagnosis was secured, there were limited opportunities to discuss or ask questions about treatment options, and women found their preferences were often ignored.

The gender health

gap

The results came as no surprise. In fact they’re part of a wider problem that’s becoming increasingly well-recognised, and is known as the ‘gender health gap’. It refers to the difference between how men and women are treated when it comes to their health - and evidence is building that women consistently get a worse deal.

That includes research showing women are more likely to have a heart attack misdiagnosed, less likely to have a mental health condition recognised, and that medical research is biased towards male physiology - because women’s hormones are thought to get in the way of accuracy in clinical trials.

High profile examples that have hit the headlines include the vaginal mesh scandal that saw hundreds of women go on to receive the controversial procedure even after many had reported life-changing pain and side effects. Meanwhile the activism of celebrities like Davina McCall has highlighted the fact it takes more than a year to get menopause support, and an average of 7.5 years for women to get an endometriosis diagnosis.

Putting women back in control

The good news is that the government both recognises and is tackling health inequalities, with a new Vision for Women’s Health Strategy. But with the NHS under ever-increasing pressure, many women are still struggling to get heard. Our health assessments put YOU in the driving seat, and in charge of your own health. We empower people with health insight that can give them peace of mind, a head start on what’s going on inside them - and evidence to take to their GP to ask for further support or advice.

Our Chief Medical Officer Dr Toby Donati says: “As an NHS GP, I can tell you that most of us are well aware of the gender health gap, and we want to do our best for all our patients. But very clearly, people are slipping through the gaps – and women in particular are not always getting the service they deserve.

“No one should feel like their concerns are being dismissed, or that they’re now allowed to worry, or that they’re being silly. Or that the pain they’re feeling isn’t real - or isn’t really that bad. Here’s the thing I want people to know: At the end of the day, your doctor is not in charge of your health – YOU are. You can ask for a second opinion. You can ask for a referral. And you can go for your own health assessment to find out more about what’s happening with your health.

“I’ve found that doctors and patients working together always results in the best health outcomes. If people have the information they need to make their own choices, they make health-confident and health-affirming decisions. Knowledge is power, and that’s exactly what we want to give back to people through Bluecrest Wellness health assessments.”

Natasha’s

story

One woman with personal experience of not being listened to by her own GP was Natasha, who works for a large financial services company in London. She’d been having leg pain for a few days when her assistant reminded her that a Bluecrest Wellness health assessment day was taking place on site that very afternoon.

Natasha explains: “Because I’d consulted a doctor I didn’t want to take ‘muscle pain’ to a busy A&E department, but my Bluecrest Health Assessment Specialist was brilliant. She could see I was limping, and when I told her that I was feeling worried about my leg, she actually listened to me and took me seriously.

“She then did everything by the book. She took out a tape measure, measured my calves and confirmed there was a swelling, and that it was hot to the touch. She asked me lots of questions about my family history and how I was feeling. She then told me she was halting my assessment and sending me straight to A&E.”

At A&E, Natasha was diagnosed with a DVT. “My Bluecrest Wellness Assessment 100% saved my life. If I hadn’t have gone in that day I’m honestly not sure I’d be here today. Certainly, I’d have been facing a very serious and life-threatening health situation. I am extremely grateful.

“The NHS has proven great in an emergency, but it has so many challenges and stresses you also need to be looking after yourself, trusting your instincts - and catching things as early as possible. These Health Assessments are an extra safety net, and they put the power back into your hands. It’s safe to say I will most definitely be going back again next year.”

Want to find out more about Bluecrest Wellness health assessments?

Take a look at our health assessment packages

If you’ve already got a Bluecrest Wellness health assessment through your company, and you haven’t yet booked your health assessment, don’t delay any longer! With 2,000 community clinics we can find a location near your home or workplace, and we promise not to take up more than 30-40 minutes of your time.

You can choose to pay yourself to upgrade or add more tests depending what you want to know about your health, and you’ll get your results online in about a week, and a full written report in about a month. You also can talk to our GPs 24/7 about your results.

Contact your HR Manager, visit your benefits platform, or check your inbox for your Bluecrest Wellness welcome email.