Wales has unveiled a comprehensive masterplan for women’s healthcare, a groundbreaking step towards addressing the significant disparities and inequalities in healthcare faced by women in the country. The plan, released in December, aims to bridge the gender health gap by providing improved healthcare services tailored to women’s needs, ensuring they are listened to and understood. The report highlights that women often face delays in diagnosing diseases, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes due to their symptoms being undervalued or dismissed.
The statistics are alarming, with a difference of over 20 years between healthy life expectancy and average life expectancy for women in Wales. More than 60% of women suffer from poor pelvic floor health, over 30% experience mental health problems during pregnancy, and nearly a quarter have a disability. The plan outlines nearly 60 actions across eight priority areas, including menopause, endometriosis, contraception, mental health, and ageing well, based on feedback from around 4,000 women across Wales.
The release of the women’s health plan was met with enthusiasm, with First Minister Eluned Morgan hailing it as a historic moment. The plan received praise for its intention to empower and improve healthcare services for women, acknowledging the long-standing neglect and undervaluation of women’s health needs. However, three months on, there are concerns about the plan’s execution and whether it will deliver the promised improvements.
Phoebe Lewis, a young woman with a long-term health condition, welcomed the plan but raised questions about its practical implementation. She highlighted the need for additional support and services for conditions like endometriosis, expressing concerns about the lengthy timelines for implementing changes. The plan has also faced criticism for not prioritising gynaecological cancers, despite their significant impact on women’s health.
Campaigners like Claire O’Shea, a gynaecological cancer patient, have been advocating for greater recognition and support for conditions that have profound long-term effects on women’s health. She emphasised the importance of addressing the lasting consequences of cancer treatment, including mental health issues and frailty, which are often overlooked in healthcare priorities. The plan has been scrutinised for its focus on certain areas while neglecting broader health issues affecting women, such as osteoporosis.
Critics have raised questions about the financial backing and sustainability of the plan, with concerns over the allocated budget of £3 million for establishing women’s health hubs in each health board. The plan’s reliance on NHS-led initiatives has sparked worries about its continuity amidst potential political changes. As Wales gears up for a Senedd election in 2026, the fate of the women’s health plan and its priorities under a new administration remains uncertain.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, there is optimism that the women’s health plan can bring positive changes to healthcare services for women in Wales. Health officials and campaigners are hopeful that the plan’s focus on empowerment, advocacy, and accountability will lead to improved access to healthcare and better outcomes for women. The plan’s emphasis on collaborative research and innovative solutions, such as a dedicated Women’s Health Research Centre, signals a promising step towards addressing the complex healthcare needs of women in Wales.