The strategy marks the culmination of work which was launch by Jackie when she was Minister in the Department of Health.
Jackie said, “I started work to develop a women’s health strategy as I became aware that common gynaecological conditions were going undiagnosed for many years causing women great discomfort and distress. Women often felt diminished when seeking medical help. Having been approached by female MPs who shared their experiences I realised that if assertive women like us felt unable to access the medical support we need, god help everyone else!
I was pleased to work with Dame Lesley Regan, then President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to work up a life course approach to women’s health and to make the system more responsive so that women feel they are listened to and receive medical interventions in a timely and more sympathetic way. I am delighted that Dame Lesley Regan has been appointed as the Women’s Health Ambassador. I know she will continue to drive change.
I have spent a great deal of energy breaking taboos regarding women’s health. I have probably talked about healthy periods more than anyone in the House of Commons. I am determined to continue to ensure that there is much more public health education about healthy menstruation, and I will continue to fight to make sure that women are empowered to look after themselves and get treatment sooner. Women should not suffer in silence, and they should not feel they are not being listened to.
