Online postnatal programme aims to address gynaecology wait list
- 19 February 2025
- Medway and Swale NHS Women’s Health Hub has launched a free digital platform to support new mothers with their postnatal recovery
- The evidence-based programme, called MUTU, can help women in the region strengthen their core, improve pelvic floor function and diastasis recti and address back pain
- Research by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists found that waiting lists for gynaecology in the UK have increased by a third since 2022, with women waiting for care commonly reporting debilitating pain
Medway and Swale NHS Women’s Health Hub has launched a free digital platform to support new mothers with their postnatal recovery.
Almost a third of mothers experience long-term postpartum conditions which impact their well-being and quality of life, according to a paper published in The Lancet Global Health in February 2024.
The evidence-based programme, called MUTU, is available from 19 February 2025 to help women in the region strengthen their core, improve pelvic floor function and diastasis recti and address back pain.
Dr Satvinder Kaur Lall, executive GP partner at Reach Healthcare and clinical lead at Medway and Swale Women’s Health Hub, said: “After a woman has given birth, she may experience pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other bladder or bowel symptoms that currently face long waitlists for specialist care.
“While these referrals are necessary for many, we believe this programme is an excellent way to assist many women in alleviating or resolving these issues.
“MUTU can serve as a powerful tool in helping to reduce those wait times and support mothers in feeling strong again.”
The online programme, funded by the Kent and Medway Women’s Health budget, includes education, movement guidance, and ongoing community support.
GP practices will offer MUTU to women who have given birth in the last 12 months, with a particular focus on those who cannot access face-to-face specialist physiotherapist support.
The contract follows an independent evaluation by Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, which demonstrated MUTU’s effectiveness and cost-efficiency in addressing postpartum pelvic health issues.
The evaluation provided the necessary evidence to support NHS adoption, setting a precedent for other healthcare regions.
Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, chief medical officer at Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, said: “We are thrilled that Medway Women’s Health Hub Valley has taken this forward-thinking step in postnatal care.
“This partnership proves that innovative, effective digital solutions can be implemented within the NHS.
“We hope this contract will inspire other primary care organisations and NHS trusts to follow suit, ensuring more women receive the support they need.”
NHS figures for England, published in February 2025, reveal that in December 2024 the gynaecology waiting list in England stood at 586,013.
In comparison to November 2024 data, the number of women waiting for non-cancer gynaecology treatment has increased by 1,406.
Research, published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in November 2024, found that waiting lists for gynaecology in the UK have increased by a third since 2022, with women waiting for care commonly reporting being in constant, chronic, and debilitating pain, struggling to manage worsening physical and mental health symptoms.
NHS England’s 2025/2026 priorities and operational planning guidance, published on 31 January 2025, removed the mandate for women’s health hubs to be created, and the funding to ensure they remain open.
