Women encouraged to take part in NI-wide health survey

Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to take part in a survey focusing on their health needs and the challenges around women’s healthcare.

The Women’s Health Survey for Northern Ireland, part funded by the Department of Health, is the first phase of a public listening exercise with Northern Ireland women.

It is being carried out by the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University, Belfast, in partnership with Derry Well Women. Its purpose is to hear directly from women about their specific health needs and experiences to help shape planning for women’s health services.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “It is very clear to me that women’s health issues must be given more focus, and this survey is a significant step along that journey. 

“This is a prime opportunity for women to tell us directly about the challenges and barriers you face when it comes to your health, and to have a say in how services can be shaped in Northern Ireland in the future to improve health and wellbeing.

“I would encourage all women to take a few minutes to discuss, share and complete this survey over the coming months.”

The survey will collect anonymous data on a range of topics including women’s priorities for their health, barriers to accessing health services and how women’s voices are integrated into the planning and delivery of healthcare services.

Women aged 16 and over are encouraged to participate, ensuring that their voices are heard and that the realities of women’s health across Northern Ireland are fully represented.

Karen Meehan, of Derry Well Women, said: “The launch of the listening exercise on women’s health is an important landmark on the road to improvement in women’s healthcare planning and provision in Northern Ireland.

“It marks the beginning of a focused effort to place women’s voices at the centre of planning for women’s health. In this regard it places Northern Ireland alongside England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

“In partnership with Queen’s University, Belfast, and with support from the Department of Health, we will make every effort to hear from as many women as possible on issues affecting their health and wellbeing.”

Dr Jenny McNeill, Reader in Midwifery Research, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Queen's University, Belfast said: “We are delighted to have developed a strong partnership with Derry Well Women and the Department of Health to progress this research, seeking to hear from women about their experiences and perspectives on priorities for women's health in Northern Ireland.

“The launch of the survey represents an incredible opportunity for all women in Northern Ireland to contribute and help us understand better the current service provision, expectations for their future health, and identify gaps to inform a future strategy for Women's Health in Northern Ireland.”

NI Chief Nursing Officer Maria McIlgorm added: “I am delighted to see progress being made in terms of opening the conversation with women and hearing directly about the challenges faced and what their priorities are in terms of their health.

“I would encourage all women to take some time and complete this important survey.”

The survey will close on 31 January 2025.

Notes to editors: 

1. The survey is available online here or a paper copy can be accessed by contacting the research team at womenshealthni@qub.ac.uk
2. The Department of Health, Derry Well Women and Queen’s University, Belfast, are encouraging all women, including those from underrepresented communities, to participate in the survey. Your voice and experiences are invaluable to shaping the future of healthcare in Northern Ireland.
3. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous and will be used solely for research purposes.
4. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
5. Follow us on X @healthdpt and linkedIn Department of Health NI | LinkedIn
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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