South East London Integrated Care Board launched 2 co-designed women’s and girls’ health hubs in 2025, following a health needs assessment that engaged more than 1,400 local women, including communities experiencing health inequalities.

Multidisciplinary teams provide one-stop, intermediate-level care for women and girls aged 13 and older, covering contraception, menstrual health, menopause and preconception care. Most patients are triaged within 1 week and seen within 4, compared to typical waits of 15 to 16 weeks for acute gynaecology.

The model also delivers better value. Workforce cost per patient is around £121 in Lambeth and £145 in Greenwich and Bexley, compared to an acute first outpatient tariff of £190.

Translated materials, self-referral routes and community outreach through voluntary, community and social enterprise partners are improving access for residents who do not routinely use NHS services.

An independent evaluation is underway, with commissioning investment secured for 2026 to 2027. Learning will inform decisions on scaling the model across all south east London boroughs.

Winner of the Patient Involvement and Choice award at the NHS Excellence Awards 2026.