WIREDGOV

Second phase of Women’s Health Plan backed by over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times.

New plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and transform gynaecology services—ending long waits—have been published as part of the second phase of the Women’s Health Plan.

This phase is backed by additional funding of over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times, bringing additional investment in gynaecology services to almost £13 million this year.

Scotland's Women's Health Plan was published in 2021 and was the first of its kind in the UK. Informed by the experiences of women and girls nationwide, Phase Two sets out new action focusing on:

• gynaecology transformation, eliminating cervical cancer and brain health priorities.
• better research, data and information on women's health
• prevention and early intervention throughout women's lives
• improving menopause and menstrual health, including endometriosis
• supporting sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing

In addition, a new £350,000 Women's Health Research Fund, in partnership with Wellbeing of Women has also launched today. The fund will support research into menstrual and gynaecological health, menopause, pelvic floor health, healthy ageing and long-term conditions.

Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said:

“This year, we have already allocated over £10.5 million for gynaecology, and I am very pleased to announce today a further commitment of £2.4 million to tackle the longest waits - bringing additional funding to nearly £13 million. Latest data shows that this investment is working, with longest waits for new outpatients having fallen by over 18%.

“Phase Two sets clear targets to transform women’s health in Scotland, ending long gynaecology waits, eliminating cervical cancer, and prioritising brain health to support women to live longer, healthier lives.

“We continue to improve menopause and menstrual health, support sexual and reproductive health, and have opened Scotland’s first Women’s Health Research Fund to tackle historic gaps in women’s health research.”

Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion, Professor Anna Glasier OBE said:

"Phase Two is ambitious, and rightly so. I want women to be able to get the gynaecology care they need without delay, and for women and girls to have the vaccination and screening necessary to prevent cervical cancer. Increasing our focus on prevention and early intervention is vital so women live not just longer, but healthier lives.

“We have a consensus on where we want to get to and importantly, I think we have the commitment and enthusiasm needed to get there.’’

Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: 

“We welcome Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan - Phase Two and look forward to supporting the Scottish Government in implementing its ambitions on the ground.  

“We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to transform gynaecology services and to tackle long waiting lists, with over 66,000 women across Scotland currently waiting for gynaecology care. 

“We also welcome the shift towards prevention, early intervention and to improving women’s health across the life-course, including the focus on tackling inequalities, access to contraception, and the elimination of cervical cancer.  

“If implemented successfully, this plan will help women in Scotland to access appropriate gynaecological care more easily, when they need it. We now need the other governments across the UK to go further and faster on women’s health, including tackling the capacity challenges driving the gynaecology waiting list crisis.” 

Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, said: 

“We are delighted to join forces with the Scottish Government as partners on the Scottish Women’s Health Research Fund. Despite progress, significant gaps remain in women’s health research. By directing funding towards areas that have long been overlooked – such as menstrual, gynaecological, and pelvic floor health – we can collectively drive improvements in health outcomes for women across Scotland and beyond.”

Background

Women’s Health Plan – Phase Two  & Easy Read Version

Recently published data shows our plan is working, with the longest waits for new outpatient appointments down by over 18% between July and November 2025.

Wellbeing of Women-Scottish Government Research Project Grants – Wellbeing of Women