Wales launches landmark women’s health plan to close gender health gap

The first Women’s Health Plan for Wales has been launched today, setting out a 10-year vision to address longstanding disparities in healthcare services for women.

Created by the National Strategic Clinical Network for Women’s Health, part of NHS Wales Executive, the plan outlines nearly 60 actions to improve women’s health outcomes and ensure their voices are heard within the healthcare system.

Research underpinning the plan highlights a stark gender health gap.

Although women typically live longer than men, they experience fewer years free from disability and face longer waits for pain relief.

Many also report that their symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed by healthcare providers.

The plan introduces eight priority areas, including menstrual health, endometriosis, menopause care, and violence against women and girls.

Notable initiatives include £750,000 allocated for women’s health research and the establishment of women’s health hubs in every region of Wales by 2026.

First Minister Eluned Morgan, speaking at the launch, said: “Women’s health is more than gynaecology and maternal health. I want this plan to be the start of better care for women – I want women’s voices to be heard and their experiences to be recognised.”

Key actions in the plan include encouraging doctors to discuss menstrual health and menopause during routine appointments and enhancing training for healthcare professionals in conditions like endometriosis.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy described the plan as “the engine for real change,” adding: “It sets out how we will deliver the better services women in Wales want.”

Transforming Care for Women in Wales

The plan’s development involved feedback from 4,000 women across Wales.

National Clinical Lead for Women’s Health, Dr Helen Munro, expressed optimism about the potential for change.

“As a clinician, I am acutely aware that services for women in Wales often fall short of what women require, need and deserve,” she said.

“Through true collaboration across healthcare systems… we can ensure better health of the 51 per cent.”

The Women’s Health Wales Coalition also welcomed the initiative. Dee Montague-Coast, of Fair Treatment for Women of Wales (FTWW), said:

“Too often, women’s needs haven’t been considered. We look forward now to supporting the plan’s implementation, and to a Wales where our voices are heard, our health better understood, and health equity achieved.”

The plan aims to continuously evolve, with commitments to improve access to contraception, increase education about menopause, and address pelvic health issues such as incontinence.

It also seeks to combat violence against women and girls by implementing a ‘sexual safety in healthcare organisations’ charter and establishing dedicated champions in each health board.

“It is only by listening to women and acting decisively that we can close the gender health gap,” said Dr Munro.