AQW 37716/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 07/01/2026
Answered On Date: 10/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether the Women’s Health Action Plan will contain plans for women's health hubs.

Answer:

The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) report on Gynaecology included a recommendation to establish women’s health hubs to improve access to services and streamline care for women. Whilst there are variations in approach and terminology regarding women’s health hubs across the UK, the concept aims to provide a range of services with rapid, local access within a single visit, provide assessment and treatment where possible and reduce referrals into elective waiting lists.

Despite the severe funding constraints facing the Health and Social Care system, work is currently underway to develop a suitable model for gynaecology ambulatory hubs which will work collaboratively with the Enhanced Primary Care Service to ensure patients are seen in the right place and at the right time, in line with the direction of travel towards a Neighbourhood Model of Care. In the meantime, this service continues to manage referrals for pessary fitting, HRT management, initial assessment and treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, and contraceptive management including coil fitting.

Further detail will be set out as one of the priorities in the Women’s Health Action Plan, which I plan to issue after the current listening exercise is completed.