To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of whether the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust delivers appropriate support for women who are experiencing menopause alongside other health conditions.

I acknowledge the current waiting lists for many services are longer than we would like them to be, and that includes gynaecology services. However, there is currently considerable work underway across the Health and Care System, including South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, to try to reduce waiting lists, although the current financial position does make progress difficult. You will acknowledge you supported the 2024/25 budget settlement.

The Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has established a Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum, with Trusts, the Public Health Agency, and General Practitioner representation. This forum will oversee ongoing service improvement, and the implementation and development of gynaecology service pathways at primary, intermediate and secondary care level for local and regional populations, as well as overseeing the implementation of the “Getting It Right First Time” (GIRFT) Gynaecology Report. This work will include the development of a pathway for Menopause to ensure equitable access to services for women across Northern Ireland.

Alongside this, I understand that my officials are also establishing a Regional Engagement Forum in the coming months, this will allow my department to garner expert user feedback from stakeholders.