Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh appointed chairman of national all-party parliamentary group looking at Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A local MP has been appointed as the chairman of cross-party parliamentary group working on improving outcomes for those affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is one of the most common health conditions in women, affecting millions of women and girls across the UK, but remains underdiagnosed, misunderstood and underfunded.

Now, Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh has been appointed as chairman of an all-party parliamentary group, which will see MPs from across the political spectrum working together to for the benefit of those affected by the condition which impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Speaking about the appointment, Ms Welsh said she was “honoured” to have chosen for the role.

“As the MP for Sherwood Forest, I’ve heard from many local women who have struggled for years to get a diagnosis or to have their symptoms taken seriously,” she said.

“Too often, PCOS is dismissed, but it is a complex condition that affects every part of a woman’s life.

“We must break the stigma, improve access to diagnosis, and push for better treatment and support.”

As its first major initiative, the all-party parliamentary group is launching a wide-ranging inquiry into how PCOS is diagnosed and treated.

The inquiry will gather evidence from NHS trusts, funding bodies, the UK PCOS charity Verity’s national patient survey, and testimony from medical professionals and those with lived experience.

The aim is to build a clear picture of the current state of care and identify urgent areas for reform.

The group has also held oral evidence sessions in Parliament, focusing on the barriers women face in getting a timely and accurate diagnosis, bringing together a diverse group of clinicians, researchers, policymakers and patients. #

Findings from the inquiry will be published later this year, with recommendations aimed at improving diagnosis pathways, boosting training in primary care, and expanding support for patients post- diagnosis.

“This is about giving women better futures,” Michelle Welsh added.

“We owe it to every girl and woman living with PCOS to do better — and that starts with listening to their experiences.”