To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the Women's Health Action Plan.

The purpose of the Women’s Health Plan, which my Department is currently developing, is to highlight ongoing policy and service development initiatives, and to outline the actions and improvements that can be delivered over the next three years to improve health outcomes for women.

The focus to date has been on mapping the work that is already under way across the health and social care system (including, for example improving maternity, gynae and menopause services, cervical screening and breast cancer services, and planning for a mother and baby unit) and identifying areas where further action is needed (for example, improving public health awareness around women’s health, providing more training and education for healthcare professionals on these issues, promoting healthy lifestyles and tackling health inequality).

My Department will be hosting a number of engagement events commencing this month to listen and share insights & priorities with a diverse range of women and health professionals to further inform the development of the Action Plan. The pace and extent of delivery will be determined by our available capacity and resources, which remain under extreme pressure.

You may also be aware that my Department part-funded the Women’s Health Survey for Northern Ireland which launched on 11 November 2024. The survey is being carried out by the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University, Belfast, in partnership with Derry Well Women. Its purpose is to hear directly from women about their specific health needs and experiences to help shape planning for women’s health services. The survey will remain open into February 2025 and I would be grateful for your support in sharing the survey and encouraging as many women as possible to take this opportunity to share their views.