Barriers to women in accessing healthcare in the UK – a review

Jeffrey, Genevieve ORCID: 0009-0005-2143-6967 (2025) Barriers to women in accessing healthcare in the UK – a review. LSE Public Policy Review, 3 (4). ISSN 2633-4046

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Abstract

This paper examines the persistent gender health gap in the United Kingdom, highlighting disparities in healthcare access and outcomes between men and women. While women report higher morbidity rates across a range of conditions compared to men, healthcare research have historically been structured around male-centric models, leading to diagnostic delays, inadequate treatment, and unmet healthcare needs. The study explores the socioeconomic, systemic, and behavioural roots of these disparities, and consequences, which include reduced productivity and labour market inefficiencies. Key factors contributing to the gender health gap – such as caregiving responsibilities, financial constraints, workplace policies, and structural biases in medical research – are analysed. The effectiveness of the UK Women’s Health Strategy (2021) is critically evaluated, focusing on policy interventions such as the expansion of women’s health hubs, mental health support, and workplace reforms. Despite these measures, challenges persist, particularly in addressing intersectional inequalities affecting women from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds. The paper concludes by emphasising the need for a more comprehensive policy approach that integrates healthcare access with broader economic and social reforms to achieve gender equity in health outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author
Divisions:	Health Policy
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
JEL classification:	J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J1 - Demographic Economics > J16 - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I1 - Health > I10 - General
Date Deposited:	25 Mar 2025 17:22
Last Modified:	02 Apr 2025 13:54
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127647

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