New Women’s Health Network launched in Luton

Luton’s Women’s Health Network has been officially launched – putting women’s health at the forefront of the agenda and providing help and support to 112,000 women who live in the town.

Launched at the Women’s Health Summit, run by Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, the Women’s Health Network brings together partners from across the NHS with residents and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to improve health outcomes for women at all stages of their lives.

Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti, deputy chief medical officer and women’s health lead for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, 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 have 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 are ambitious for the people and communities we serve, and for the women – who come from so many different backgrounds and have so many different experiences. We are here for them, and I am delighted to see us launch our local Women’s Health Network, so that women get the right support in the right place at the right time.”

Dr Nina Pearson from Lea Vale Medical Centre said:

“This network is important because it connects all the agencies who are responsible for helping to improve women’s health and helping them to live their best life come together. It means us all working to our strengths and helping women get the care they need.”

Caroline Cook from the Luton All Women’s Centre said:

“This network brings together trusted organisations like ours and the NHS, and gives us the freedom to trial lots of new ways to reach women who previously wouldn’t have engaged with their health. We’re connecting with people through trusted centres, and we believe this will go a long way in helping us to help women and girls live longer, healthier lives.”

The Network was launched following the introduction of the Government’s first-ever Women’s Health Strategy for England in 2022. The Luton Women’s Health Network will support local and national work in finally bringing these vital issues into the spotlight, ensuring they receive the attention they deserve.