Second phase of Women's Health Plan backed by over £2.4 million
to tackle gynaecological waiting times.
New plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and transform
gynaecology services—ending long waits—have been published as
part of the second phase of the Women's Health Plan.
This phase is backed by additional funding of over £2.4 million
to tackle gynaecological waiting times, bringing additional
investment in gynaecology services to almost £13 million this
year.
Scotland's Women's Health Plan was published in 2021 and was the
first of its kind in the UK. Informed by the experiences of women
and girls nationwide, Phase Two sets out new action focusing on:
- gynaecology transformation, eliminating cervical cancer and
brain health priorities.
- better research, data and information on women's health
- prevention and early intervention throughout women's lives
- improving menopause and menstrual health, including
endometriosis
- supporting sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing
In addition, a new £350,000 Women's Health Research Fund, in
partnership with Wellbeing of Women has also launched today. The
fund will support research into menstrual and gynaecological
health, menopause, pelvic floor health, healthy ageing and
long-term conditions.
Women's Health Minister said:
“This year, we have already allocated over £10.5 million for
gynaecology, and I am very pleased to announce today a further
commitment of £2.4 million to tackle the longest waits - bringing
additional funding to nearly £13 million. Latest data shows that
this investment is working, with longest waits for new
outpatients having fallen by over 18%.
“Phase Two sets clear targets to transform women's health in
Scotland, ending long gynaecology waits, eliminating cervical
cancer, and prioritising brain health to support women to live
longer, healthier lives.
“We continue to improve menopause and menstrual health, support
sexual and reproductive health, and have opened Scotland's first
Women's Health Research Fund to tackle historic gaps in women's
health research.”
Scotland's Women's Health Champion, Professor Anna Glasier OBE
said:
"Phase Two is ambitious, and rightly so. I want women to be able
to get the gynaecology care they need without delay, and for
women and girls to have the vaccination and screening necessary
to prevent cervical cancer. Increasing our focus on prevention
and early intervention is vital so women live not just longer,
but healthier lives.
“We have a consensus on where we want to get to and importantly,
I think we have the commitment and enthusiasm needed to get
there.''
Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists said:
“We welcome Scotland's Women's Health Plan - Phase Two
and look forward to supporting the Scottish Government in
implementing its ambitions on the ground.
“We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to transform
gynaecology services and to tackle long waiting lists, with over
66,000 women across Scotland currently waiting for gynaecology
care.
“We also welcome the shift towards prevention, early intervention
and to improving women's health across the life-course, including
the focus on tackling inequalities, access to contraception, and
the elimination of cervical cancer.
“If implemented successfully, this plan will help women in
Scotland to access appropriate gynaecological care more
easily, when they need it. We now need the other governments
across the UK to go further and faster on women's health,
including tackling the capacity challenges driving the
gynaecology waiting list crisis.”
Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, said:
“We are delighted to join forces with the Scottish Government as
partners on the Scottish Women's Health Research Fund. Despite
progress, significant gaps remain in women's health
research. By directing funding towards areas that have long been
overlooked – such as menstrual, gynaecological, and pelvic floor
health – we can collectively drive improvements in health
outcomes for women across Scotland and beyond.”
Background
Women's Health Plan – Phase
Two & Easy Read Version
Recently published data
shows our plan is working, with the longest waits for new
outpatient appointments down by over 18% between July and
November 2025.
Wellbeing of Women-Scottish
Government Research Project Grants - Wellbeing of Women
Wellbeing of Women are a
UK-based charity that has a focus on women's health and wellbeing
across the life course through research, education, and advocacy.
They are tackling the taboos surrounding women's health and
striving towards a better future for every woman, girl and baby.
