Calls for “much needed reform” of healthcare for marginalised women

Many feel they are not being listened to or taken seriously in healthcare interactions.

Marginalised groups of women in Ireland often face barriers when accessing adequate healthcare, according to a new report from The National Women's Council. The organisation is now calling on the government to deliver "much needed reform" to ensure marginalised women receive good healthcare. The report is based on focus groups with 50 women who identified as disabled, of minority ethnicity, as survivors of domestic abuse or were from a disadvantaged area. Some women shared positive experiences with healthcare while others expressed a wide array of concerns. A common issue for those with disabilities was that they felt they were not taken seriously. Some said they had been dismissed and highlighted how professionals can sometimes showed a lack of interest or empathy. One woman with a disability said a negative experience at a cervical screening meant she had not returned for a test in over decade. She said she had been asked: "Why do you need it if you're not sexually active?" Women from socio-economically disadvantaged communities said their main frustration was at navigating the health system for children. "You are literally just told something is wrong with your child, go figure it out yourself," one woman said. "You are thrown in a dark alley, and you have to fight your way out, if you find a torch fair play to you but if you don’t you are going in blind." Barriers accessing information were also noted, particularly for participants who wouldn't have English as a first  language or those who do mot have an advanced eduction. Survivors of domestic abuse said there was a general lack of professional understanding of this type of abuse in relation to healthcare interactions. One woman had presented with injuries in hospital but was not asked any questions about domestic abuse. Another woman said she was forced to have a mental health check and was "seen as this absolutely crazy mother… they [abusive partners] they turn the whole system against you. Women from minority ethnic communities expressed several concerns. Some spoke of experiencing a lack of empathy and sensitivity, and cited examples of bias, racism and discrimination in the health service - although they emphasised that they recognised professionals were skilled experts. "It’s very difficult for us to open up about our problems, doctors are different, sometimes I had a good experience, but there were times I wouldn’t ask a question because the moment they see you they treat you different and speak to you differently” Throughout all groups, a common theme re-occured: women feel they are not being listened to and taken seriously in healthcare interactions. Based on the findings, National Women's Council  are now calling for mandatory gender-sensitivity and unconscious bias training for health and social care professionals, investment in community-based care, and a focus on ensuring all healthcare services are accessible and inclusive. Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council said: “Our report highlights the importance of listening to women and their experiences of health services. In their own words, women have detailed how poor experiences of healthcare erode trust in the system and in many cases, cause women to withdraw from vital care. "It’s vital that we seize this essential opportunity and ensure that policy and practice is responsive to the needs of the most marginalised."