A new £3 million Women’s Health Research Centre has opened in Wales, aiming to address longstanding health inequalities affecting women. This initiative comes as part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to the Women’s Health Plan for Wales, which was published in December 2024. First Minister Eluned Morgan and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy visited the centre to meet with researchers and community collaborators, marking the first anniversary of this pivotal health strategy.
The centre is spearheaded by Women’s Health Research Wales and focuses on enhancing investment in women’s health research. It aims to improve representation in clinical trials and ensure that health services are better equipped to meet women’s needs throughout their lives. The collaborative efforts involve NHS partners, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and community members to develop more effective treatments.
One of the key areas of focus at the centre includes addressing prevention and management of various health conditions that have historically lacked targeted research for women. Current projects under development aim to investigate symptom reporting tools for managing diabetes, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, all of which have distinct impacts on women.
Research at the centre will also explore the health implications of chemicals found in menstrual products and strategies to encourage young people to stay active during their menstrual cycles. Another important aspect of the work involves developing pathways to prevent women with polycystic ovary syndrome from facing complications such as diabetes and heart disease later in life.
The centre is also dedicated to fertility issues. A notable project focuses on creating a decision-making tool for women with kidney disease contemplating motherhood. Additionally, researchers are investigating the mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that can arise during fertility treatments. The goal is to develop guidance for trauma-informed fertility care, addressing a critical gap in support for women undergoing these experiences.
First Minister Eluned Morgan emphasized the importance of investing in research to improve women’s healthcare outcomes. She stated, “I am delighted to see how the Welsh Government’s £3 million investment through Health and Care Research Wales is supporting research based on the experiences of women. This will result in better care and better health outcomes for women.”
Minister Sarah Murphy expressed her enthusiasm for the projects emerging from the centre, particularly in areas that have been under-researched. “The pioneering work I’ve heard about today in areas such as the impact of infertility on women’s mental health is exactly what we want the Women’s Health Plan to influence and deliver,” she noted.
Debbie Shaffer, founder and director of Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales and chair of the Women’s Health Wales Coalition, highlighted the collaborative nature of the research. She remarked, “By working co-productively, in partnership with women and communities, we have a fantastic opportunity to reduce health inequalities and improve treatment options and support.”
The establishment of the Women’s Health Research Centre signifies a vital step towards closing the gender health gap and ensuring that women’s health issues receive the attention and resources they deserve. With its comprehensive approach to research and community collaboration, the centre aims to generate lasting improvements in health outcomes for women across Wales.
