Head of Innovation at InnoScot Health, Robert Rea considers the women’s health opportunity for change
The need to address women’s health inequalities in Scotland remains a topical one for both healthcare practitioners and society at large.
The Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan (2021-2024) – the first of its kind in the UK – set out key actions to reduce those inequalities and was drafted with the help of women sharing their real-life experiences.
Upon its launch, MSP Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport said: “I believe that our vision for Women’s Health is an ambitious one – and rightly so. 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.”
The plan’s forward-thinking framework gave recommendations for better treatment of endometriosis, the menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and heart disease.
Ms Todd said the plan was born out of a desire for Scotland to become a “world leader when it comes to women’s health.”
Now, three years in, long-term plans for improving maternity and neonatal care are being remobilised in the recovery and renewal period – and we can still be a global pioneer.
While BMA Scotland recently claimed that “practical and substantive changes” had not been felt by women so far, Prof Anna Glasier, the Women’s Health Champion for Scotland, insisted that progress had in fact been made during this transitional phase.
Indeed, she pointed out, there is now a women’s health lead in nearly every NHS board while a national women’s health champion was appointed back in January.
In addition, a network of menopause and menstrual health experts has been set up across the country.
Prof Glasier stated these appointments meant they were making steps towards “changing the culture of boards to pay more attention to women’s health in Scotland.”
A dedicated platform has also been created on the NHS Inform website where women can access useful information and resources.
Furthermore, the Women’s Health Plan continues to aim for a redesign of the pathways for maternity clinical care which will support delivery of timely and proportionate care for women with complex social and clinical needs, particularly those at increased risk of poorer outcomes.
Similarly, the Scottish Government’s Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) policy remains a continued commitment to providing all children, young