Women Urged To Share Health Experiences In New Survey

Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey designed to gather insights into their health needs and experiences. The Women's Health Survey for Northern Ireland, part-funded by the Department of Health, is the first step in a broader public listening exercise aimed at improving women's healthcare services.

The survey, conducted by Queen's University Belfast's School of Nursing & Midwifery in partnership with Derry Well Women, seeks to directly hear from women about their specific health concerns and challenges. The collected data will be used to inform future planning and development of women's health services in Northern Ireland.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "It is very clear to me that women's health issues must be given more focus, and this survey is a significant step along that journey.

"This is a prime opportunity for women to tell us directly about the challenges and barriers you face when it comes to your health, and to have a say in how services can be shaped in Northern Ireland in the future to improve health and wellbeing.

"I would encourage all women to take a few minutes to discuss, share and complete this survey over the coming months."

The survey will collect anonymous data on a range of topics including women's priorities for their health, barriers to accessing health services and how women's voices are integrated into the planning and delivery of healthcare services.

Women aged 16 and over are encouraged to participate, ensuring that their voices are heard and that the realities of women's health across Northern Ireland are fully represented. Karen Meehan, of Derry Well Women, said: "The launch of the listening exercise on women's health is an important landmark on the road to improvement in women's healthcare planning and provision in Northern Ireland.

"It marks the beginning of a focused effort to place women's voices at the centre of planning for women's health. In this regard it places Northern Ireland alongside England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

"In partnership with Queen's University, Belfast, and with support from the Department of Health, we will make every effort to hear from as many women as possible on issues affecting their health and wellbeing."

Dr Jenny McNeill, Reader in Midwifery Research, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Queen's University, Belfast said: "We are delighted to have developed a strong partnership with Derry Well Women and the Department of Health to progress this research, seeking to hear from women about their experiences and perspectives on priorities for women's health in Northern Ireland.

"The launch of the survey represents an incredible opportunity for all women in Northern Ireland to contribute and help us understand better the current service provision, expectations for their future health, and identify gaps to inform a future strategy for Women's Health in Northern Ireland."

NI Chief Nursing Officer Maria McIlgorm added: "I am delighted to see progress being made in terms of opening the conversation with women and hearing directly about the challenges faced and what their priorities are in terms of their health.

"I would encourage all women to take some time and complete this important survey."

The survey will close on 31 January 2025.