Anna Lyons & Sarah Esegbona-Adeigbe
Interview with Anna Lyons & Sarah Esegbona-Adeigbe
Anna Lyons and Sarah Esegbona-Adeigbe are both Senior Lecturers in Midwifery in LSBU’s School of Health and Social Care. They would be making a presentation focusing on women and health inequalities in a session entitled: “The truth about women’s healthcare, past imperfect”. They would discuss a number of topics including the need to review local and national policies on women’s health, access to services and mortality rates.
To start with, can you tell our audience why it is so important to consider women’s health as a sustainability issue?
Sarah: Health is wealth. Once everyone has equitable health care services then other problems become surmountable.
Anna: Women's health needs to have equal status in healthcare if there is to be any balance in future. There are so many differences in what is available to women that the term “post code" lottery can be used. There needs to be a change in perspective so that progress in healthcare is achieved for all.
One of the principles of the event series is myth-busting. In the work you both do, what is the biggest myth that needs to be brought to light?
Sarah: Simply accessing healthcare services does not mean that the right care is received.
Anna: That while there are healthcare services for women, not all healthcare services have evolved equally. Services are subject to a postcode lottery, and you may need to seek further advice to ensure that you have the most effective care.
What do you believe are some of the biggest barriers to gaining access to services for many women?
Sarah: Lack of cultural sensitivity and awareness leading to poor cultural safety.
Anna: Lack of knowledge of services that are available to women is one of the biggest barriers; this often leads to a delay in getting what is appropriate for the woman.
You are both incredibly passionate about women’s health, and this is reflected in your teaching. What inspires you the most about your students?
Sarah: Their ability to overcome challenges and their motivation to improve maternity services.
Anna: That all students have a part to play in the support of women and they are the future for maternity services that women can access for effective and evidence-based care.
Finally, what are your hopes of women’s health in the future?
Sarah: Health care that considers women’s needs holistically, more expenditure on the provision of maternity services, and reduction in maternal mortality.
Anna: That women's health care equates with the commitment that they provide to their families, the community and nationally. Women being finally able to have all services to support their needs in their healthcare continuum.
Anna and Sarah’s session was on 15th January 2021, on the day dedicated to ‘Equality’.
For more information on this event, visit the event page.
In this section
- Calvin Moorley
- Chris Barnes
- Esmorie Miller
- Adri Bester
- Anna Lyons & Sarah Esegbona-Adeigbe