9 Accepted

The renewed Women’s Health Strategy should include an aim to improve the provision of school...

Recommendation
The renewed Women’s Health Strategy should include an aim to improve the provision of school nurses, particularly in more deprived areas, where need is often greatest. Improving early access to care reduces the risk of symptoms worsening and the increased health and economic costs that accompany delayed treatment. Investment in school nursing would likely lead to savings over the longer term and aligns with the prevention and community-based care goals in the Government’s 10-year Health Plan for England. (Recommendation, Paragraph 45) NHS website, social media and “FemTech”
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating the refreshed Women’s Health Strategy will aim to improve school nurse provision, especially in deprived areas. NHS England has already committed to increasing school nurse numbers by 2030, involving investment in recruitment, training, and retention.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The Government accepts recommendations 8 and 9. The government recognises the crucial role school nurses play in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people, including in identifying and addressing menstrual problems early. The refreshed Women’s Health Strategy will include an aim to improve the provision of school nurses, particularly in more deprived areas where the need is often greatest. This aligns with the government’s commitment to prevention and community-based care goals, as outlined in the 10-year Health Plan. NHS England has already committed to increasing the number of school nurses by 2030 as part of the Long Term Workforce Plan. This will involve investments in recruitment, training, and retention of school nurses, with a focus on areas with the greatest health inequalities. Improving early access to care through school nurses can reduce the risk of symptoms worsening, lead to better health outcomes, and reduce the long-term health and economic costs associated with delayed treatment. The government believes that investment in school nursing will lead to significant savings over the longer term and contribute to a healthier future for all girls and young women.
Addressee Bodies
Government Equalities Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.4 yrs
Report published 04 Mar 2026