To ask the Minister of Health whether he will recognise the menopause as a public health issue and allocate specific resources to improve education, awareness and early intervention.

I recognise the impact that menopause can have on a woman and, for some, it is more than just a biological milestone and can impact on every aspect of their lives.

Work is already ongoing to improve gynaecology services across the region, including menopause care. A Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum, with Trust and Public Health Agency 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.