Expert medical negligence solicitors at Switalskis have warned that continued reports of women feeling unheard in healthcare point to “a deeply concerning and persistent issue” that, in some cases, is leading to avoidable and life-changing harm.

The comments follow renewed national focus on women’s health services and the experiences of patients who say their symptoms have been dismissed, minimised or not acted upon within the NHS.

Our specialists, who represent women affected by negligent care across a range of gynaecological and wider health issues, say these concerns reflect what they see in practice every day.

Delayed diagnosis and missed opportunities in women’s healthcare

Across our medical negligence team , we support many women who describe not being listened to at key points in their care.

This can involve repeated GP visits where symptoms are attributed to normal hormonal changes, or referrals between departments without clear diagnosis or timely treatment. For patients, this often means prolonged pain, uncertainty and, in some cases, worsening conditions.

While every case is different, a consistent theme emerges, missed opportunities to identify and treat conditions earlier.

We are seeing cases involving a range of gynaecological conditions, including delayed diagnosis of endometriosis and failures to act on symptoms of ovarian torsion – both of which can have serious consequences if not treated promptly.

How delayed diagnosis can lead to serious harm

When concerns are not taken seriously, delays in diagnosis and treatment can allow conditions to progress.

In some cases, this results in more invasive treatment, long-term complications or avoidable injury. For others, it can affect fertility, long-term health and overall quality of life.

Beyond the physical impact, many of our clients describe the emotional toll of not being believed – of having to repeatedly advocate for themselves while managing pain or uncertainty.

‘Listening is fundamental to safe care’: our expert’s view

Emma Hudson , a specialist solicitor in our medical negligence team, said:
“Time and again, we hear from women who felt their concerns were not taken seriously, or that they had to push repeatedly to be listened to.

“In our experience, this is not simply about communication – it can have very real clinical consequences. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can lead to avoidable harm, as we have seen in cases involving ovarian torsion and other serious conditions.

“Listening to patients is fundamental to safe and effective care. When that doesn’t happen, the impact on individuals can be significant and long-lasting.”

She added:
“It is encouraging to see greater recognition of the challenges within women’s healthcare, but meaningful change will depend on how improvements are delivered in practice.

“For the women and families we support, what matters most is that lessons are learned and that no one else has to go through a similar experience.”

How our medical negligence solicitors support women

At Switalskis, our medical negligence solicitors support women who have experienced harm as a result of delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis or failures in treatment.

We understand that these cases are deeply personal and can have a lasting impact on many aspects of life. Our focus is on securing answers, accountability and the financial support our clients need to move forward.

If you have experienced delays in diagnosis or feel your concerns were not listened to, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim.

A specialist solicitor can help you understand what went wrong, whether your care fell below an acceptable standard, and what support may be available to you.

Speak to our specialist medical negligence team

If this reflects your experience, our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to support you.

We approach every case with sensitivity, care and respect. If you would like to speak to a member of our team in confidence, we offer a free, no-obligation conversation to help you understand your options.

Read more in our recent case study .