Wes Streeting MP, Novelist Elizabeth Arnott, Comedian Susie McCabe
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This episode of Woman's Hour features a wide-ranging discussion on women's health, systemic sexism in the NHS, and the personal stories of resilience and creativity. Health Secretary Wes Streeting addresses the government's renewed women's health strategy, acknowledging the persistent issue of 'medical misogyny' and the disproportionate rise in gynecological waiting lists. He outlines new initiatives including patient power payments, single-point access for referrals, and the rollout of NHS Online to improve access and accountability. The conversation is deeply personal, with Streeting sharing how his own family's experiences with misdiagnosed pain and dismissal by medical professionals galvanized his commitment to cultural change in healthcare. The episode also highlights the stories of women affected by endometriosis, with powerful testimonies from Zoe Trafford, and explores the broader societal failure to listen to women's pain. In a separate segment, author Elizabeth Arnott discusses her novel 'The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives,' which reclaims the narratives of women married to serial killers—often blamed or silenced—by giving them agency and voice. Comedian Susie McCabe shares her journey through a heart attack at 40, the aftermath of her marriage ending, and her father's death, all of which inspired her new comedy shows 'Best Behaviour' and 'Coming of Rage,' using humor as both survival and social commentary. The episode closes with a celebration of women's resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling across health, justice, and comedy.
Medical misogyny is a systemic issue in the NHS, requiring both cultural and structural change to ensure women are heard and treated with dignity.
Patient power payments will be trialed in gynecology, allowing women to withhold part of their NHS payment if unsatisfied, with funds redirected to improve care.
Endometriosis diagnosis takes an average of nine years, highlighting the urgent need for better training, pathways, and specialist access.
Women married to serial killers are often wrongly blamed; their stories deserve recognition and reclamation, as explored in Elizabeth Arnott's novel.
Comedy can be a powerful tool for processing trauma and challenging societal norms, as demonstrated by Susie McCabe's work after her heart attack.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Women's Health Strategy Launch
Nuala McGovern introduces the episode, setting the stage for a deep dive into the government's renewed women's health strategy, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting joining to discuss systemic issues in women's healthcare.
Confronting Medical Misogyny in the NHS
“I was quite shocked actually. I mean, I've experienced this in my own family with a relative who it has taken 21 years to get an accurate diagnosis... And it made my blood boil.”
Endometriosis: The Long Road to Diagnosis
“If I'd have been listened to years ago, I probably wouldn't be in the mess that I'm in now.”
The Power of Naming and Accountability
“That should not distract from this fundamental question, which is why did Peter Mandelson think it was appropriate to continue that relationship with Epstein following his conviction?”
Reclaiming Women's Narratives: The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives
“These women were so disempowered by the worst things that somebody else had ever done. I wanted to fictionalise some of these women, give them this experience but also give them back some power.”
“If I'd have been listened to years ago, I probably wouldn't be in the mess that I'm in now.”
“These women were so disempowered by the worst things that somebody else had ever done. I wanted to fictionalise some of these women, give them this experience but also give them back some power.”
“I was quite shocked actually. I mean, I've experienced this in my own family with a relative who it has taken 21 years to get an accurate diagnosis... And it made my blood boil.”
Host
Guests
Wes Streeting
person
NHS
organization
Susie McCabe
person
Elizabeth Arnott
person
Nuala McGovern
person
Endometriosis
other
The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives
book
Zoe Trafford
person
Patient Power Payments
other
Crowned Care
organization
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