Better access to health services for women and girls
Women and girls in Greenwich and Bexley now have better access to specialist support for menopause, heavy periods, contraception, and pre-conception advice through the Women and Girls’ health hub.
Launched in March 2025, the virtual health hub allows girls, women, and people identifying as female to self-refer for expert advice and care, reducing the need for hospital visits and improving access to timely support.
Consultant community gynaecologist Dr. Nele Dumpert from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust said: “It makes me very sad that some of the women I see in clinic have had unnecessary suffering because they haven’t been able to access the right advice or support. So much can be done for women and girls in the community, without them being referred to a hospital.
“Sometimes, just giving them information about what to expect and how to manage symptoms can make a huge difference.”
The service is part of the South East London Integrated Care Board’s commitment to improving women’s health. It was co-designed with local women and girls following a survey and engagement work with residents that gathered insights from more than 1,000 people.
One local resident, has been accessing women’s health services for 36 years. She said: “My experience of accessing women’s health services has been frustrating. When I get the right advice and referred to the right service, it’s life changing. But it’s hard to get to that point.
“On one occasion I had to wait for nine hours in A&E. Two weeks later I had surgery and my life was transformed. You feel like a different person once you’ve got the help you need.”
She added: “This women and girls health hub is going to make such a difference for people. We need to be heard instead of feeling like we have to struggle on.”
The women and girls health hub accepts referrals from GPs and individuals self-referring. The clinic is located at Market Street Health Centre in Woolwich, however you may be offered an appointment at another site.*
To self-refer, visit www.oxleas.nhs.uk/womens-and-girls-hub
*While the article refers to women, some people who do not identify as women will also require access to and may benefit from care as part of the health hubs. These groups also have specific needs and experiences which will be considered.