Finally, some good news for women’s health – but more needs to be done.
In a landmark step forward for women’s health, MUTU® has been commissioned by the NHS for the first time.
This groundbreaking commission comes at a pivotal time. Recent government changes have shifted NHS priorities, removing national Women’s Health Hubs targets. This means that crucial women’s health services, including access to postpartum care, may no longer be consistently funded nationwide. Today, access depends entirely on local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), creating a postcode lottery for women’s health – this is simply not good enough.
But there is still hope. Leading the way, Medway Valley Women’s Health Hub has taken action. For the first time, an NHS service has officially commissioned MUTU System to support women’s postnatal recovery and pelvic health. Medway has taken the first step in ensuring women in its region can access MUTU’s clinically proven, doctor-recommended programme for free. This is a massive step in improving access to essential women’s health services within the NHS—but we need to see more services follow suit.
Why MUTU?
MUTU System is a globally recognised, doctor-recommended programme designed to help women strengthen their core, improve pelvic floor function, and support postnatal recovery.
This new NHS commissioning means more women can access the care they need without financial barriers, improving physical health and overall well-being.
A Model for the Future
The NHS in Medway Valley’s decision sets a precedent for prioritising women’s health across the UK. However, this does not mean other areas will automatically follow Medway Valley’s example; we must all continue actively demanding change.
What This Means for You
Right now, only a limited number of women in Medway, Kent, can access MUTU for free—but that can change. Each local NHS trust decides which services to fund through its Integrated Care Board (ICB). If enough women demand and advocate for better postpartum care, more areas could follow Medway’s lead and help us make MUTU accessible nationwide.
How You Can Help Bring MUTU to More Women
- Talk to Your GP: Ask your doctor about MUTU System and why it isn’t available on the NHS in your area. Many healthcare professionals support it, but local NHS trusts won’t prioritise it without patient demand.
- Write to Your ICB: Your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) decides what services are funded in your area. You can find your ICB and their contact details here. Send them an email or a letter explaining why MUTU System should be funded for all women.
- Contact Your MP: Your Member of Parliament (MP) represents you and can pressure NHS leadership to expand access. Find your MP and their email address at They Work for You, and ask them to raise the issue of MUTU funding in Parliament.
- Join Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) and Birth Trauma Association work to improve postnatal care. Supporting and engaging with them strengthens the movement for better services.
- Speak Up on Social Media: The more women talk about this issue, the harder it will be for decision-makers to ignore it. Share your experience, tag NHS leaders, and demand better postnatal and pelvic health care.
- Support Women’s Health Hubs: With the government reducing focus on Women’s Health Hubs, it’s more important than ever to hold local decision-makers accountable. Contact your local ICB and ask what they are doing to maintain and expand these essential services.
The Bottom Line
Medway’s commitment to women’s health is a significant breakthrough, but more work must be done. The government’s recent changes mean that unless women speak up, services like MUTU and Women’s Health Hubs could disappear in many areas.
The NHS should provide equitable care for all women, not just a lucky few. Demand better. Talk to your GP, contact your ICB and MP, and make your voice heard.
A personal note from MUTU
We hear you, feel your frustration, and know how exhausting and disheartening it is to struggle to access women’s healthcare continually, even in today’s ‘modern’ society.
We fight for this every day because we believe you deserve better. We understand your anger, disappointment, and urge to vent. Trust us, we feel it, too.
You shouldn’t have to worry about advocating for yourself, and we can’t wait for a world where you don’t have to.
But please know this: we (companies and innovations like MUTU) don’t decide what the NHS chooses to fund. Securing this small step forward has taken years of relentless effort. We are pushing for more, but change takes time and it needs advocates.
Your voice matters, and your stories matter. Your frustration is valid, but directing it at us will not change the system. Instead, take action. The calls to action in this post are how we create real change.
We are on your side. Let’s fight together. 💜
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MaryAnn Ferreux, Medical Director at Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, highlighted the significance of the commission:
“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 commission will inspire other primary care organisations and NHS trusts to follow suit, ensuring more women receive the support they need.”
Nuala Foley, Associate Director Commercial and Enterprise,
Health Innovation KSS:
“HIKSS has worked with MUTU for four years since their place on the National Innovation Accelerator (NIA). We saw the value MUTU could bring to our population and the importance of supporting NHS adoption to ensure wider access.
Securing adoption as a paid service has been challenging due to limited budgets and a lack of focus on women’s health. I greatly admire MUTU’s persistence in refining its value proposition and forging ahead.
I’m delighted to see this partnership come to fruition and hope it’s just the beginning of making MUTU accessible to all who need it.”
*To discuss partnering with MUTU for your ICB or region, please contact Ben Hulme at [email protected]
References:
- NHS drops dementia and women’s health targets to end ‘overspending’: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nhs-drops-dementia-women-health-targets-wes-streeting-xgmcs6xcl
- Wes Streeting hits out at health charities over NHS targets: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/wes-streeting-civil-service-nhs-targets-gh8dhwttp
- NHS England chief under fire again as MPs ‘exasperated’ by responses: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jan/29/nhs-england-chief-under-fire-again-as-mps-exasperated-by-responses
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) response to NHS women’s health hub cuts: https://www.rcog.org.uk/news/rcog-responds-to-reports-that-central-support-for-women-s-health-hubs-will-end
- Men’s Health Forum campaign to protect Women’s Health Hubs: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/news/dont-abandon-womens-health-hubs
