Pioneering health hub cuts waiting times by a third
Women in east London are getting faster treatment for their health thanks to the creation of a dedicated women’s health hub.
The unit at Mile End hospital is a place where patients from Tower Hamlets can see a range of expert doctors, nurses and therapists in one place instead of requiring multiple appointments.
New figures show that since its opening the number of women waiting for gynaecology treatment at The Royal London hospital fell by a third. This in turn released capacity at The Royal London so women who need specialist hospital treatment are now getting it faster, too.
The Tower Hamlets Women’s Health Hub brings care closer to the community and enhances patient experience by cutting down wait times.
All referalls from accross the borough are received by one specialist team. Since its launch in December 2023, over 3,000 referrals have been received and redirected either elsewhere in the community, to The Royal London hospital or within the Women’s Health Hub, so patients can be seen faster.
The hub ensures that only those requiring urgent or further care are referred to The Royal London hospital, while conditions not requiring surgery or specialist care are treated by the referring GP or within the hub.
As a result, the number of patients waiting for treatment at The Royal London has dropped by 33% in just one year. Additionally, the average wait time for an appointment has reduced from 27 weeks in December 2023 to 11 weeks in December 2024, significantly below the national 18-week referral-to-treatment target.
Dr Ishi Bains, co-clinical lead for the Tower Hamlets Women’s Health Hub and GP, said: “ Our team of gynaecologists, sexual and reproductive health doctors, GPs, physiotherapists and other professionals work collaboratively, breaking down barriers to provide the right patient centred care.
“I am incredibly proud of the difference we’ve made in such a short period of time , and we will continue to work towards developing further improvements in the health care we provide .”
Cate Onanda , Women’s Health Programme Manager for NHS North East London, added: "We understand that many women across the country struggle to access the care they need to support their health and wellbeing. We’re determined to change that.
"Tower Hamlets is one of many Women’s Health Hubs we’ve opened across northeast London to ensure women feel heard and can receive timely and effective treatment when they need it most.”
This week we welcomed Baroness Liz Sugg, co chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health in the UK, to learn how the hub is making a difference for women in Tower Hamlets.
