London Economics are pleased to announce that we have been commissioned by the NHS Confederation to undertake the data analysis and econometric modelling as part of their groundbreaking work to quantify and illustrate the link between investment in women’s health and wider economic growth throughout England.

The study of women’s health has been historically overlooked and underfunded. Neglecting women’s health as a priority area fails to address the most basic needs of 51% of the population, but it also stands as driving factor in economic stagnation – for instance through increased absenteeism from work, school, or caring responsibilities. With nearly 80% of the health and social care workforce comprised of women, women’s health, the NHS, and the wider economy cannot continue to be viewed as separate concerns.

The purpose of this women’s health economics project is twofold: to propel the Women’s Health Strategy for England forward and to garner more sustained funding for the goals it sets out, but also to show the value of investment more broadly and beyond the realm of the NHS. In this regard, London Economics’ work aims to map disparities in women’s health across England, quantify the impact of investment in women’s health on the overall economy, and investigate the impact of female-specific health conditions on labour market outcomes.