Written question WQ87983

To help address the lack of research and data about women’s health conditions, my officials are working to establish a Welsh Government £1m Women’s Health Research Fund to support opportunities in delivering research where there are known knowledge gaps, supporting the provision of high-quality, evidence-based care. This research will be key to enabling a joined-up approach and inform the key priorities of the workplan to be undertaken by the Women’s Health Network, which is currently being established within the NHS Executive.

The first step was the discovery phase, published by NHS Wales in December 2022, which was developed with significant input from women in Wales. The discovery phase report presents initial research detailing the state of the nation for women’s health in Wales, combining an evidence review of women’s health with the voices of women and girls in Wales. Following the consultation of over 3,800 women, this report seeks to build the foundations for the development of a Women’s Health Plan for Wales.

The next step will see the establishment of the Women’s Health Network (the Network). This will bring together clinicians from a variety of disciplines, patient representatives, academics and policymakers to deliver NHS Wales’ Women’s Health Plan. It will also determine and monitor key measurable outcomes and share best practice. The Network will replace the Women’s Health Implementation Group and act as the primary vehicle for designing and delivering the Women’s Health Plan and identify research required to inform priorities. The establishment of the Network and responsibility for fulfilling essential quality planning and control functions is set out in the NHS Executive remit letter.

I have made clear that we must change the way we provide healthcare for women and girls in Wales so they can access it in a timely way, so the NHS is responsive to their choices and needs and that research and development reflects women and girls’ lived experiences. It is imperative that a considered approach is taken to developing the Women’s Health Plan to ensure the changes we wish to see are delivered and the desired positive impacts realised.