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Women's Health Plan for Wales - NHS Wales

Improving Health and Care for Women Across Wales

The Women’s Health Plan for Wales is a national 10-year plan to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls. It recognises that women’s health concerns have not always been understood, diagnosed or treated quickly enough. Many women have reported long waits for answers, feeling unheard, or struggling to access the right support.

This plan is about changing that.

It sets out how NHS Wales will improve services, reduce inequalities and make sure women’s voices shape the care they receive. It also recognises that women’s health needs change throughout life - from teenage years and periods, through pregnancy and menopause, and into older age - and services need to reflect that.

Eight Areas the Plan

The plan highlights eight key areas where improvements are needed:

1. Menstrual Health
Better support for heavy, painful or disruptive periods, and faster diagnosis of conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS.

2. Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
Reducing delays in diagnosis and making sure women can access specialist care and support.

3. Contraception, Post-Natal Contraception and Abortion Care
Making it easier to access a full range of contraception options and high-quality abortion care, with clear information and informed choice.

4. Preconception Health
Helping women to be as healthy as possible before pregnancy, especially those with existing health conditions.

5. Pelvic Health and Incontinence
Improving support for pelvic floor problems and bladder issues, reducing stigma and encouraging women to seek help early.

6. Menopause
Ensuring women can access advice, treatment (including HRT), and specialist support to manage menopause symptoms confidently.

7. Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
Making sure health services recognise signs of abuse and respond safely and sensitively.

8. Ageing Well and Long-Term Conditions
Supporting women to stay well as they age, with better prevention, screening and management of long-term health conditions.

To turn the plan into real change, NHS Wales is:

  • Setting up local Women’s Health Hubs to provide joined-up care closer to home for the initial three priorities outlined.
  • Improving training for healthcare professionals in women’s health
  • Investing in research so women’s health conditions are better understood
  • Making sure women’s voices and experiences shape how services are designed

Three Immediate Areas of Focus

While the plan covers many aspects of women’s health, early action is focused on three areas where many women experience difficulties:

  • Menstrual Health
  • Contraception (including post-natal contraception and abortion care)
  • Menopause

By improving services in these areas first, NHS Wales aims to make a meaningful and visible difference to women’s everyday health and wellbeing - while continuing to strengthen support across all stages of life.

Stay updated on the areas of focus for women’s health here

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