"Gender bias in healthcare is not just persistent: its pervasive. Women's voices have been questioned, minimised, or outright dismissed, often with devastating, even fatal, consequences." This trailblazing book shines a light on the uncomfortable truths we all need to confront within gender bias in healthcare. Centred on patient stories and lived experience, this comprehensively researched, evidence-based resource amplifies women's voices where they have too often been undermined. From heart health and reproductive health, to eating disorders, birth trauma, and autism, Jinty Sheerin and Louise Hockings-Thompson invite readers, particularly healthcare professionals, to listen, reflect, and act. This book is an urgent and compassionate call to action, and a vitally important step towards clinical excellence and women's health.
Jinty Sheerin is a leading advocate for women's health and equality in healthcare. As co-creator and host of the Womenkind Collective: Spill the Tea podcast, an established, independently produced show now in its fifth year, she combines lived experience with evidence-based insight to challenge stigma and drive systemic change in women's health. Jinty leads the #WheresMyClinic campaign, instrumental in the creation of the NHS Devon Menopause Service, and co-founded Exmouth's first Menopause Cafe to foster open, inclusive discussion. A sought-after speaker and experienced yoga teacher, Jinty brings authenticity, compassion, and clarity to her work-empowering women and inspiring healthcare professionals to deliver equitable, person-centred care. Lou Hockings-Thompson is a dedicated women's health advocate, public speaker, and co-host of the Womenkind Collective: Spill the Tea podcast and long-time collaborator with Jinty Sheerin. Over the past five years Lou & Jinty have independently researched, written, edited, and produced their award-nominated show into a respected platform for evidence-based conversations around gender bias and women's health. Lou is Jinty's key partner in the #WheresMyClinic campaign and co-founder of Exmouth's first Menopause Cafe. An engaging speaker who amplifies women's voices and challenge inequalities in healthcare. Drawing on her background as a hairdresser, Lou brings unique insight, warmth, and humour to her advocacy, connecting with women's everyday stories and turning them into powerful calls for change.
Introduction Heart - Your vitals are fine Chronic UTI - Fewer antibiotics than a cat Autism - Boys will be boys, but girls must learn to behave appropriately Ovarian cancer - This hospital contains more of my reproductive system than I do Vulval cancer and Vulval Lichen Sclerosus- If I believed it was herpes, I wouldn't be here now Endometriosis - You've just got a low pain threshold PMDD - It's all in your head Anorexia - How is she working? She should be dead Birth Trauma - Stop making a fuss, everyone has babies POI - If a species is defined as a creature that can reproduce, what does that make me? Menopause - You can't be in menopause, your boobs are too big Conclusion References Index
A groundbreaking exploration of gender bias in healthcare systems and what needs to be done.
