To ask the Minister of Health whether there will be a roll-out of dedicated menopause healthcare practitioners to every GP practice.

Women’s health is a priority for my Department. My Department recognises the significant impact that perimenopause and menopause can have on women’s physical health, mental wellbeing, employment and overall quality of life.

A Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum has been established to oversee ongoing service improvement and implementation. Work being progressed by the menopause Task and Finish Group includes mapping a clinical pathway from presentation at GP services into secondary and tertiary care, which will benefit both patients and clinicians.

The pathway will consider which stages a woman can be managed in General Practice with clear guidelines for management and skills transfer, when required, and an enhanced triage process on referral ensuring that women receive the required assessment at each stage. Referral into inpatient and day case care will be standardised and equitable for all patients regardless of where they live.

It is anticipated that investment will be required to support the development of this pathway. Specific resource requirements are currently being considered as part of the ongoing pathway mapping process.

My Department is also developing Northern Ireland’s first Women’s Health Action Plan which I intend to publish shortly.

In the meantime, all GPs complete extensive postgraduate training, which includes menopause care, and are required to maintain their knowledge through continuing professional development, annual appraisal and General Medical Council (GMC) revalidation processes. Additional support is also available through the GPNI website which provides guidance, resources and educational webinars on topics such as menopause care.