AQW 43725/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 13/04/2026
Answered On Date: 21/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether the routine offering of postpartum physiotherapy will be included in the Women’s Health Action Plan.

Answer:

Postnatal recovery, including access to physiotherapy where clinically appropriate, is recognised as an important component of women’s health following childbirth. NICE guidelines NG194 (Postnatal Care) and NG210 (Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: prevention and non-surgical management), both of which are endorsed by my Department, recommend that women’s physical recovery should be assessed after birth and that additional support, including referral to physiotherapy, should be offered where needs are identified.

In Northern Ireland, postpartum physiotherapy is currently available on a targeted, needs based basis, with referral commonly provided for women who experience severe perineal trauma, pelvic floor dysfunction, or ongoing physical symptoms following childbirth.

Access to physiotherapy is therefore aligned with NICE guidance, which emphasises assessment, early identification of problems, and referral to appropriate support rather than routine provision.

The Women’s Health Action Plan is focused on priority areas for raising awareness and improving women’s health outcomes across the life course, as well as supporting women to access appropriate care and advice within existing services.