Healthwatch York, an anonymous feedback service for local health and social care services, has recently conducted an online survey about women with long-term health conditions, such as endometriosis, within York.

According to Endometriosis UK, one in 10 women in the UK suffer from endometriosis. However, it takes on average eight years and 10 months from the first GP visit to get a diagnosis.

As a woman with PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), formally known as PCOS, I took part in this survey, to offer my feedback.

When speaking to Ruth Stockdale, Volunteering and Engagement Officer at Healthwatch York, I highlighted the detail in comparison to other questionnaires I had completed previously.

“It is not about the quantities, but about people’s experiences”

Ruth stockdale

This is similarly echoed in the previous 2025 report, as its 68 pages are filled with personal stories from women in York and North Yorkshire, with quotes highlighting the pattern emerging within the health system. “Overall, I feel completely let down,” one said.

Regardless of the awareness being brought to these important issues by Healthwatch, the government has been trying to abolish the company. They said, “The number of organisations monitoring patient experiences is causing confusion and risks inactions”.

When asked about this statement, Ruth contradicted the accusation and said why she believes Healthwatch is so important. “People are worried they will be blacklisted after giving direct feedback to GPs or the NHS, so anonymous and independent companies provide a safe space for an honest narrative.”

HeyEndo Charity

I also spoke to Helen Brewster, co-founder of the charity ‘HeyEndo‘ that supports people with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis.

Although their office is in Hull, East Yorkshire, HeyEndo’s ICB (Integrated Care Board) covers hospitals in York as well.

HeyEndo has organised many fundraising events throughout Yorkshire, with their next scheduled event being a Charity Tattoo Day, taking place on June 26th at Krucio Tattoo Studio in Hull.

Last time the charity held this event, they raised £1,165 for HeyEndo, while also empowering people with these conditions.

I asked her about her opinion on Healthwatch, and if they have provided much value to understanding the state of women’s health services throughout the UK.

Helen stated, “We have found that they’ve been quite invaluable to our service users. They’re one of the services that we refer people to quite often, because we don’t deal with the complaint side of things and we do get a lot of that coming through.”

“It is a partnership that is quite key to our charity and so as far as we’re concerned, they are needed.”