To ask the Minister of Health to detail how the forthcoming Women’s Health Action Plan will address the development of regional menopause services.

I recognise that menopause can be a time of profound transition for women and for some it is more than just a biological milestone and can impact on every aspect of a woman’s life, from physical health to emotional wellbeing and workplace performance. I welcome that as a society we are beginning to open up these important conversations. Through the Department's stakeholder engagement for the Woman's Health Action Plan, menopause has, as expected, emerged as a priority area for women.

Whilst the Action Plan is still in development, work is ongoing to improve menopause services. A Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum, with Trust and PHA representation, has been established to oversee ongoing service improvement and implementation at a local and regional level. Although work is at an early stage of development and will require additional funding, this will include mapping clinical pathways from presentation at GP services into secondary and tertiary care, which will benefit both patients and clinicians. This work includes a specific task and finish group to consider menopause care.