NHS to offer free tampons to women and girl inpatients

Credit: Playtex Sport Regular Scented Tampon Review

NHS England is set to give women and girls who need sanitary protection while staying in hospital free tampons.

The move has come after the British Medical Association’s campaign pointed out that many hospitals supply shaving foam and razors for men, but no sanitary products.

The NHS added it was “absolutely right” that women had access to daily essentials while in hospital, with the plans taking full effect from the summer.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement last year about period poverty: “It is hard to believe that young women and girls in the capital are experiencing this type of poverty. Not being able to afford the products that they need is putting their health at risk and preventing them from fully engaging in their education.”

Here in London, it’s estimated that 80,000 young women and girls are potentially affected.

Linda Musonza Shumba, from the charity Freedom4Girls, told me:“It’s a positive step in the right direction. As a country, there is still a lot of work to do around the access, choice, education and sustainability relating to the environment. The needle is moving in the right direction albeit slowly.”

Pam Scobbie, founder of the Bloody Big Brunch thinks the announcement is positive. “The move by NHS England to provide period products to inpatients is great – but women shouldn’t have to break their leg in order to get access to basic necessities.”

She added: “Westminster have absolved themselves of the issue for a long time and it seems like they are happy to continue doing so. They’re either hoping that other people and organisations, like food banks, come in to fill the gap or they won’t particularly care about the problem.”

Paige Fashoni, Founder of FLUX Undies period-proof underwear said: “This is a fantastic step forward and I’m sure a very welcomed change by all of us.” Paige thinks having conversations about period poverty with a friend or work colleague can keep the conversation going. “I’ve found that people still feel some sort of shame and embarrassment surrounding periods and until our attitudes change and we eliminate the taboo that surrounds menstruation, we cannot make any true change.”

While some hospitals already provide sanitary products, NHS England said it would now be mandated in the new standard contract with hospitals for 2019-20.