Women's Health Plan - phase two: lived experience focus groups report
As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to gather the views of women and girls to inform the second phase of the Women’s Health Plan, five third sector organisations were commissioned and funded to carry out focus groups. This report provides a summary of the key findings from these groups.
3. Conclusion
The focus groups provided valuable insight into women’s experiences of Scotland’s health systems and services. Across all age groups, participants agreed that the Scottish Government should prioritise improvements in gynaecology and reproductive health, health education and preventative care, along with mental health and wellbeing.
While many women acknowledged receiving high-quality care and recognised the pressures faced by health professionals, they identified clear areas for improvement. Women expressed a desire to take greater responsibility for their own health, calling for accessible, visible information on services and interventions in locations beyond healthcare settings, such as schools, community centres, and supermarkets. They believed this would enable them to take proactive steps to maintain their health.
Focus group participants also emphasised the need for holistic, person-centred care, including training health professionals to understand the nuances of women’s health and the impact of hormonal changes across the lifespan. To improve communication and reduce misunderstandings, women highlighted the need for interpretation services, trauma-informed practice, and other adjustments to meet individual needs.
Focus group participants noted that implementing these changes would help reduce feelings of dismissal and build trust; encouraging women to seek support and engage with healthcare throughout their lives.
Contact
Email: womenshealthplan@gov.scot