Women's Health in Scotland
The SWC are undertaking a programme of work on women’s health over the coming months. We want to build a comprehensive overview of women’s health in Scotland, including a range of issues such as breast screening, cancer detection, treatment and support; cervical screening, cancer detection, treatment and support; transvaginal mesh implants, thyroid problems and mental health, as well as any other pressing areas of concern raised by women.
Online Survey
We undertook an online survey to gather as much information from women of various backgrounds, ages and from diverse geographical areas in order to inform our work. We are extremely grateful for all those who disseminated this throughout their networks so that as many women as possible were able to participate.
Roundtables
We are also holding roundtable discussions on the key women’s health themes outlined above. The first thematic roundtable will take place on breast screening and cancer detection, treatment and support, in Glasgow on Tuesday 5th June. If you, or anyone women that you know wish to attend this discussion event, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Other roundtables will be held on:
- Cervical screening and cancer
- Mesh implants
- Thyroid health
- Mental health
Health Conference
A conference was held at the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel, Byres Road, on Saturday 21st July, which also provided the opportunity for further discussions around key topics. A report will then be published in the autumn – the SWC would encourage women to use the information contained within this document to press for the changes that you want to see – sharing our findings with friends, family and your communities.
If you require any further information, or wish to get involved in any way, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Presentation: Thyroid
There was only one red flag throughout my pregnancy around health and that was the midwife noting
that I had low iron. However, after giving birth, I came out of hospital weighing only seven and a half
stone. I became a shaky, sweaty, nervous and anxious wreck. I suffered from palpitations and was
constantly eating but putting on absolutely no weight.
Presentation: Mental Health
Mental health stigma and discrimination affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can impact on
the individual, and their families, emotionally, socially, psychologically, physically and financially. It can
affect relationships, friendships and employment opportunities.
Presentation: Mesh Implants Campaign
Before we knew each other, we were both struggling to come to terms with constant pain and
crippling side effects of a surgery that was supposed to 'change our lives'. We both suffered from
stress urinary incontinence, and as a result of a mesh tape implant called a TVT-O which is a (tension
free vaginal tape – obturator – we lost the lives we once knew.
Health Roundtable Events: A Summary
A number of roundtable events were conducted by the SWC as part of the work related to health issues for women in Scotland. These participatory engagements brought together a number of women to discuss issues across the spectrum of health in the country.
File size: 70KB
Recommendations by Women for Women
A summary of recommendations given by women across Scotland on improving their experiences of the healthcare system.
File size: 73KB
Women's Health: Contributing Factors
A number of roundtable events were conducted by the SWC as part of the work related to health issues for women in Scotland. These participatory engagements brought together a number of women to discuss issues across the spectrum of health in the country.
File size: 70KB
