THE Scottish Government has released a plan for improving women’s health - the first of its kind in the UK.
Nicola Sturgeon pledged to publish the plan in the first 100 days of the new SNP Government, and today they released a 68-page document.
The plans include a research fund that will be created to plug gaps in scientific knowledge related to womens health.
And, a women’s health champion and health lead will be appointed in each of Scotland’s 14 health boards.
Endometriosis, a long term condition where tissue similar to that which grows in the womb grows elsewhere, can cause chronic pain and can take eight and a half years to get a diagnosis, also features heavily in the plan, and new research will be commissioned on the condition.
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It is estimated to impact around 10% of women in the UK.
Women’s health minister, Maree Todd, said: “Our vision for women’s health is an ambitious one – and rightly so. It is clear that wider change must happen to ensure all our health and social care services meet the needs of all women, everywhere.
“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.
“Together, we are working to address inequalities in all aspects of health that women are facing.
“The women’s health plan signals our ambition and determination to see change for women in Scotland, for their health and for their role in society. We want Scotland to be a world leader when it comes to women’s health.”
The First Minister pledged to publish the plan in the first 100 days of the new SNP government
The health plan also covers womens issues including menopause, menstrual health, contraception, pregnancy and maternity, health screenings and a whole host of issues that effect women directly.
The report also says that some 10% of deaths in women every year are because of heart disease.
And the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has found women “face disadvantages” in their medical journey.
According to a BHF Report, cited in the plan, in Scotland there are inequalities at every stage of a woman’s medical journey.
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ames Jopling, the head of BHF Scotland said: “We need to improve understanding of the risks for women and increase their awareness of the symptoms of a heart attack.
“We must also promote equality of treatment for women with heart disease within the healthcare system, at every point in their journey.
“The publication of the women’s health plan, with heart health as a priority, is a welcome step to tackle these inequalities and we look forward to working together to help save and improve lives.”
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