The Department of Health is asking women to take part in the Women’s Health Survey for Northern Ireland, the first phase of a public listening exercise.
The survey is being carried out by the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University, Belfast, in partnership with Derry Well Women. It aims to hear about specific health needs and experiences directly from women in order to shape planning for women’s health services.
‘This is a prime opportunity for women to tell us directly about the challenges and barriers you face when it comes to your health,’ said health minister Mike Nesbitt. ‘I would encourage all women to take a few minutes to discuss, share and complete this survey over the coming months.’
Women aged 16 and over are encouraged to participate in the survey. It will collect anonymous data on various topics, such as priorities for health, barriers to accessing health services, and how women’s voices are integrated into planning and delivery of healthcare services.
Karen Meehan of Derry Well Women has called the listening exercise an ‘important landmark’ on the road to improving women’s healthcare:
‘[The survey] 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.’
The survey can be found here.
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