FSRH Statement: We welcome the launch of the Quality Statement for Women’s Health in Wales by coalition of charities

For the past year, we have been working as part of the Women’s Health Wales Coalition, a group made up of over 60 charities, Royal Colleges and Faculties, patient representatives, clinicians, and professional bodies to draw up a plan to help end health inequalities experienced by women, girls, and those assigned female at birth. We were pleased to lead on the development of the quality statement on Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (SRH).

Together, we have created the Women’s Health Wales: A Quality Statement for the Health of Women, Girls, and those Assigned Female at Birth[LK1] , an inclusive report which outlines physical and mental health issues which affect women across the life course. The report makes a series of recommendations which if implemented will improve women’s health, lives and wellbeing regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

We are pleased that the report has received support from Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services in the Welsh Government, who recently confirmed that the statement will be used in the development of the Women’s Health Plan for Wales which will be introduced in the Autumn.

Dr Helen Munro, Vice-Chair of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare said:

“Good sexual and reproductive healthcare is central to the physical, psychological, and social wellbeing of women. However, due to a historic lack of strategic prioritisation of women’s health, it is an area in urgent need of political leadership – in order to ensure women and girls are able to live well and pursue their ambitions in education, work and with their families.”

“We are incredibly pleased to contribute the Quality Statement on Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (SRH) to this incredible, comprehensive Women’s Health Wales: A Quality Statement for the Health of Women, Girls, and those Assigned Female at Birth."

“With the support of the Minister for Health and Social Services and confirmation that this statement will be included in the Women’s Health Plan for Wales, there is great potential to tackle the long-standing structural challenges which have faced women’s health for too long."

“This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a difference to women’s lives. We look forward to working with the Minister and her team in the development of the Government’s Women’s Health Plan for Wales.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Camila Azevedo, FSRH External Affairs Manager, at cazevedo@fsrh.org or 02037945309.

Notes

• The Women’s Health Wales: A Quality Statement for the Health of Women, Girls, and those Assigned Female at Birth can be accessed here.
• The letter from Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Care confirming her commitment that the quality statement will be used in the development of the Women’s Health Plan for Wales can be accessed here.