Today, Scotland has published Phase Two of the Women's Health Plan to run from 2025-2029.
The Women’s Health Plan was the first of its kind to be published in the UK. The second phase continues its focus on priorities at the heart of women’s health. Phase Two includes ambitious new actions to tackle some of the biggest issues affecting women at all ages and stages of life. This includes:
- Transformation of gynaecology services and eradicating long waits
- Eliminating cervical cancer by 2040
- Improving support and understanding of women’s brain health
In response to the plan, Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said:
“We welcome Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan - Phase 2, and look forward to supporting the Scottish Government in implementing its ambitions on the ground.
“We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to transform gynaecology services and to tackle long waiting lists, with over 66,000 women across Scotland currently waiting for gynaecology care.
“We also welcome the shift towards prevention, early intervention and to improving women’s health across the life-course, including the focus on tackling inequalities, access to contraception, and the elimination of cervical cancer.
“If implemented successfully, this plan will help women in Scotland to access appropriate gynaecological care more easily, when they need it. We now need the other governments across the UK to go further and faster on women’s health, including tackling the capacity challenges driving the gynaecology waiting list crisis.”
Kirsteen Campbell, RCOG Women’s Network Member based in Scotland said:
“As a woman living in Scotland, and someone who has battled endometriosis for almost 30 years, I know first-hand how vital it is that women can access the right care, at the right time and close to home. I’ve had a number of difficult surgeries over the years, and I’m particularly passionate about ensuring that reproductive and gynaecological services are accessible to everyone – including those living in rural communities.
“It is really positive to see Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan come to fruition . The plan’s focus on sexual and reproductive health, menopause and menstrual health – including endometriosis – shows a real commitment to the issues that matter most to women.
“As a member of the RCOG Women’s Network, I’m proud to help bring the patient voice into the College’s work. I will continue to use my experience to support RCOG campaigning, particularly around reducing gynaecology waiting lists, so that these changes genuinely deliver better care for women across Scotland.”
- Access the full plan here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/womens-health-plan-phase-two-2026-2029/
- Read the RCOG’s priorities for the upcoming renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England here.