Women’s health wait times increase at St Thomas’ Hospital

New figures show Guys’ and St Thomas’ Trust gynaecology patients experience one of the highest treatment waiting times in South East London.

Based in Southwark, St Thomas’ had almost 6,500 people waiting for gynaecology treatment to start since their initial referral.

Gynaecology treats issues relating to the female reproductive system. This includes menopause, gynaecological cancers, pelvic pain and endometriosis.

On average, St Thomas’ patients have been waiting for 17 weeks, according to a new NHS England report. This has risen by almost two weeks (11%) since March 2025.

In response, a spokesperson for Guy’s and St Thomas’ said: “Gynaecology waiting times are a national challenge, and at Guy’s and St Thomas’ we are taking a number of steps to make sure women and girls are seen as quickly and safely as possible.”

These steps include reviewing their triage processes and using technology to improve administrative processes. 

Treatment and care advice from GPs has also been prioritised, alongside the expansion of Lambeth and Southwark Women and Girls’ Health Hub.

Guys’ and St Thomas’ is one of the UK’s largest trusts, according to their website, resulting in a high number of patients. However, patients at other South London trusts received treatment more quickly, despite there being more patients on the waitlist.

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust had 8,267 gynaecology patients on its March 2026 waitlist, almost 25% more than St Thomas’. Yet, St Thomas’ patients are waiting about 26% longer on average, with King’s average wait time being 13 weeks. 

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust had 7,902 patients, over a thousand more than St Thomas’, and their patients waited two weeks less on average.

Last year, Guys’ and St Thomas’ Trust also merged its urogynaecology (pelvic floors) waiting lists with gynaecology. They said, “We have made significant progress in reducing long waits,” adding, “Our focus is now on ensuring more women are treated within 18 weeks.” 

Longer wait times can lead to worsening symptoms, such as pain and heavy bleeding, said The Eve Appeal, a Southwark-based gynaecological cancers charity. 

Lead Nurse at The Eve Appeal, Helen Hyndman MBE, said, “It is concerning for people who are suffering with symptoms, impacting on all areas of their life, as well as NHS services which are under significant pressure.”

“Women’s health needs to be prioritised so that people can access high-quality care,” she added.