Scottish government proposes women’s health plan to reduce inequalities

Maree Todd

Scotland is the first country in the UK to have a women’s health plan, which outlines “ambitious improvement” and change in areas including menopause, heart health, menstrual health including endometriosis, and sexual health.

The plan sets out 66 actions and takes on board the “real life” experiences of women who have given their feedback on what is important to them.

Key actions include:

• appointing a national Women’s Health Champion and a Women’s Health Lead in every NHS board
• establishing a Women’s Health Research Fund to close gaps in scientific and medical knowledge
• providing a central platform for women’s health information on NHS Inform
• setting up a Women’s Health Community Pharmacy service
• commissioning endometriosis research to develop better treatment and management, and a cure
• developing a menopause and menstrual health workplace policy, and promoting it across the public, private and Third Sector
• improving information and public awareness of heart disease symptoms and risks for women

Women’s health minister Maree Todd said: “Our vision for women’s health is an ambitious one – and rightly so. It is clear that wider change must happen to ensure all our health and social care services meet the needs of all women, everywhere.

“Women’s health is not just a women’s issue. When women and girls are supported to lead healthy lives and fulfil their potential, the whole of society benefits.

“Together, we are working to address inequalities in all aspects of health that women are facing. The Women’s Health Plan signals our ambition and determination to see change for women in Scotland, for their health and for their role in society. We want Scotland to be a world leader when it comes to women’s health.”

Vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Pat O’Brien said: “We welcome Scotland’s commitment to this ambitious and detailed plan as a key marker to making improvements to healthcare services for all women from different backgrounds. 

“We are pleased to see the Women’s Health Plan adopts an approach to prioritise the health and wellbeing of women throughout every stage of their lives, and ensure they can access care when they need it  – something we called for in our Better for Women report.

“It is important that all women are included and consulted about how health services can fit their needs. This Plan has been developed with extensive consultation with a diverse group of women, ensuring that the health service is inclusive and respectful, and can work to focus on closing inequalities in women’s health experience and outcomes.”