As part of their response to the Women’s Health Plan, the Welsh Government committed to opening a women’s health hubs in every health board by the end of March 2026.
This week, they announced that this target has been met, with each of the hubs tailored to meet local needs. Some will operate over multiple sites and others will be accessed online initially. Every hub is designed to improve access to specialist care and deliver services in the community.
In response to the announcement, Mr Sujeewa Fernando, Vice President of the RCOG and Consultant Obstetrician and Urogynaecologist at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said:
“This is welcome news for women in Wales. With nearly 50,000 women waiting for gynaecological care, improving access closer to home will help ensure timely care, reduce pressure on hospitals and support efforts to address long waiting times. The College has long advocated for Women’s Health Hubs, which expand access to community-based services, improve prevention, and tailor care to local population needs.
“We also welcome the new national website, which offers clinically verified information on women’s health and makes it easier for women to find their local services and support - something we know is urgently needed.
“Women deserve clarity about where to go for care, and professionals need clear pathways to support them. This is an important step towards achieving both. We hope to see this progress replicated in England and implemented as part of the neighbourhood health framework and the renewed Women’s Health Strategy.”
- Welsh Government press release announcing that there is a women’s health hub is now open in every health board area in Wales: https://www.gov.wales/womens-health-hubs-every-part-wales
- The Women's Health Wales website: https://womenshealth.nhs.wales/
- See the latest gynaecology waiting list statistics for Wales here: https://rcogwaitinglist.health.lcp.com/gynaecology
- Read the RCOG’s priorities for the renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England: RCOG priorities for the refreshed Women’s Health Strategy for England | RCOG
- Read the RCOG’s response to the news that ring-fenced funding for hubs in England ended in 2025: RCOG responds to reports that central support for women’s health hubs will end | RCOG
- Read the RCOG’s response to the publication of the Women’s Health Plan for Wales: RCOG welcomes The Women’s Health Plan: A 10-year Vision for Women’s Health in Wales | RCOG