WOMEN’S HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT

In December 2024, the National Strategic Clinical Network for Women’s Health published the first ‘NHS Wales Women’s Health Plan’ (the Plan). The Plan is a ten-year vision (2025-2035) that outlines an NHS Wales approach to improving the health outcomes for women in Wales.

Women's Health Plan for Wales launched - NHS Wales Performance and ImprovementThe 10-year plan has been two years in the making and follows the publication of the Welsh Government’s Quality Statement for Women’s and Girls’ Health in 2022. This made clear that approaches to healthcare need to change so women can access the care they need in a timely way; that the health service is responsive to their choices and needs and that research and development reflects women and girls’ lived experiences.

It is an NHS Plan, which has been co-ordinated and led by the National Strategic Clinical Network for Women’s Health (the Women’s Health Network) with involvement from NHS staff, colleagues, experts in the field, and third sector organisations. It builds upon the work of the ‘Discovery Report’, which captured the voices of 4000 women and girls in Wales.The Plan will be delivered over ten years, through 64 short, medium and long– term actions.

It will follow a life course approach, with a focus on delivery of services from 16 years of age, often an important time of transition within health services for girls. The Plan has 8 priority areas:1.

Menstrual Health2. Endometriosis and Adenomyosis3.

Contraception, Post-Natal Contraception and Abortion Care4. Preconception Health5.

Pelvic Health and Incontinence6. Menopause7.

Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence8. Ageing Well and Long-term Conditions Across the Life Course