MS, Minister for Mental
Health and Wellbeing: This week, we mark the first anniversary of
the publication of the Women's Health Plan – a
landmark document, which will change the way the NHS listens to
and treats women and girls. Developed and written by the National
Clinical Network for Women's Health and shaped by the experience
of nearly 4,000 women from across Wales, this is a living plan
which will deliver real change over its 10-year lifespan.
To mark a year of progress and delivery, the First Minister and I
today launched Women's Health Research Wales. The centre will
unite experts, NHS partners, industry, and communities across
Wales to create a strong, collaborative network.
In the weeks to come, we will be launching pathfinder women's
health hubs in each health board area in Wales. The hubs, which
have been developed over the last 12 months, will provide clear
information and easier access to care for menopause, period
problems, contraception, and pelvic pain. They will make it
easier for women and girls to get care closer to home and at the
right time, helping to reduce waiting times for those who need
hospital treatment.
I am proud to report that within the first year, work to take
forward a third of the Women's Health Plan's 64 actions is
underway. This includes:
- A national framework has been developed with the Women's
Health Research Centre and Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales
to ensure women's voices shape services.
- New school resources have been introduced to support
conversations about menstrual health and wellbeing with young
people and updates to the Bloody Brilliant campaign,
including a free period product locator, are in the final stages
of development and will be introduced shortly.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Clinical leads have been
recruited in the Women's Health Network to embed
intersectionality within women's health.
- NHS Wales women's health pages are live and a new co-produced
website will be launched in the Spring. It will empower women
with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about
their health.
- The first all-Wales women's health stakeholder event focused
on co-production, violence against women, and the new women's
health hubs.
As we move into the second year of the Women's Health
Plan, our priorities include:
- Expanding Women's Health Hubs: The first pathfinder hubs will
open in early 2026. Ensuring every health board has a clear
implementation plan and can rollout integrated services is a
priority.
- Research and innovation: A women's health research event will
be held early 2026 to drive collaboration and shape future
research priorities.
- Strengthening Endometriosis Services: Work continues to
improve the standard of care for women with endometriosis. A
task and finish group has been set up, bringing together key
clinicians from across Wales with specialist skills. This group
will develop a service specification to establish
nationally-commissioned specialist services for tertiary
endometriosis care in Wales.
- Strengthening abortion services: The Women's Health
Network is working with stakeholders and clinical leads to
develop a sustainable plan which ensures women can access safe
and timely abortion care.
- Listening to Women's Voices: Continuing engagement with women
across Wales to ensure services reflect their needs and
experiences.
Together, we are building a fairer, more responsive healthcare
system for women and girls across Wales.
