WOMEN’S HEALTH is now firmly on the Dorset map thanks to the launch of a website.
Contraception, mental health, breast health, menopause, HPV and pelvic health are some of the female-focused topics visitors to the new site can explore, including those who identify as transgender and non-binary.
The website, produced by Dorset Women CIC in conjunction with NHS Dorset, clinicians and the public, raises awareness of local community services and provides useful resources to empower people with an interest in women’s health to make informed decisions about women’s mental and physical wellbeing.
This is expected to improve access and quality of care – a priority identified by women – and ease pressures on the NHS.
The website is part of a wider programme of women’s health activity in Dorset, having been granted part of a £25 million investment earmarked by Government for the development of ‘women’s health hubs’ under the national Women’s Health Strategy.
Marianne Storey, Chair of Dorset Women, said:
‘’This is such an important project for women and girls in Dorset. It is essential that women and girls have the information they need to enable them to take control of their health.
“This website is a huge resource of information. Not only does it show women where to go for help, it also explains what is ‘normal’ and when to ask for advice and support if they suspect something is not quite right.
“It has been a huge pleasure and a privilege for Dorset Women CIC to work alongside such a committed, knowledgeable, and collaborative group of women on this project. Everyone without exception has seen the health of women in Dorset as the only goal and to make this site as good as it can possibly be. It will continue to be a ‘work in progress’ for several months and even years after its launch so we invite people who use it to continue to give us feedback so that it is constantly improving and adapting to the needs of the women in our county.”
NHS Dorset Chief Medical Officer Paul Johnson said: “In Dorset there are over 360,000 women and girls aged 15 and over, and this website will be a lifeline for many of them. It is a one stop shop for local services and vital self-help resources for women and girls, including those who identify as transgender and non-binary – helping them navigate the healthcare system in Dorset. At the click of a button visitors can easily see where all the sexual health clinics are across the county, how to get an HPV vaccine, where to get local help if experiencing a mental health crisis, and many other helpful women’s health topics. We are grateful to everyone who has been involved in the creation of the site and hope it will be a valuable resource”.
A website awareness-raising campaign coincides with the launch of the site. As part of this, residents will see promotional materials in their local pharmacy, general practice and other locations to help spread the word. Stakeholder events have also been organised.
To access the site visit https://ourdorset.org.uk/women
Ends
Notes to editors:
National:
For more information about the national programme visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/25-million-for-womens-health-hub-expansion
Local:
NHS Dorset has also been working with Health Innovation Wessex, Bournemouth University, Wessex Health Partners, Dorset Healthcare University Trust, Dorset County Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust and the Dorset Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership in relation to the local women’s health programme, including:
- Raising young people’s awareness of HPV vaccination by visiting schools/colleges
- Racial discrimination training to equip healthcare workers with the tools needed to have culturally competent conversations with colleagues and women of Dorset.
- Menopause webinars for healthcare workers working with women, led by a local gynaecologist
