‘ Women have waited far too long. They should not be asked to wait any longer’
A w o m e n’s health c h a m p i o n mu s t be appointed with urgency after a series of scandals exposing inequality in care and treatment, campaigners warn.
Caroline Spalding, the co- founder of Menopause Warr iors Scotland who almost took her own life after struggling to cope with symptoms of the menopause, says the Scottish Government must act with speed to recruit a promised champion to ensure women receive the care they deserve.
“There are going to be a lot more suicides if something isn’t done soon,” she said. “Action needs to be taken now. We have talked enough. More and more women are suffering unnecessarily. They need information and they need to know there is help out there. Women can’t wait. They need it now.”
Last year, the Scottish Government announced its Woman’s Health Plan, outlining ambitious improvement and change in areas including menopause, heart health, menstrual health including endometriosis, and sexual health.
A key recommendation was the appointment of a national women’s health champion and a women’s health lead in every NHS board but ministers admit this may not happen for three years.
Meanwhile, the urgent need for the appointments has been underlined in recent weeks, when we have reported how Scots women face a postcode lottery over treatment for menopause and pre-eclampsia, a potentially lethal condition linked to pregnancy, with treatment routinely prescribed in England but not here.
The lives of Spalding and friend Jacqui Dillon were turned upside down by the onset of menopause. And the pair soon realised there was no support for women so joined forces to found a support group.
The friends and workmates set up Menopause Warriors Scotland in 2019, after Sp a l d i n g w a s so depressed due to the menopause that she almost took her own life.
“It took me a couple of years to realise it was the menopause,” she said.
“I suffered from really bad PMT, then uncontrollable rage and then the depression kicked in. I worried I would end up hurting someone I loved. I was only 45.
“When I went to the doctor, they said I was going to be 50 in a few years and it would only get worse and I wasn’t suitable for HRT as there was a family history of cancer. I was terrified.
“Then I Googled it and came across a forum and realised what I was experiencing was completely normal. It helped to know I wasn’t alone.”
The first session of the pair’s support group was attended by just four women but three years later its Facebook page has 1,200 members.
Spalding said: “We would love to see menopause hubs where women can get information and speak to someone before things get too much. This is something that needs to be a priority.”
Sue Webber, Scottish Conservative S h a d ow Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, added: “I think it’s vital that Scotland gets a women’s health champion as soon as possible, and it’s disappointing to see the SNP drag their heels on this.
“The government make much of having a health plan but what is missing is the action and details behind the plan. That’s where a women’s champion will come in.
“Women make up 51% of the population and deserve a national figurehead to raise awareness of femalespecific health issues and to fight their corner where necessary.
“That champion is also needed to fight health inequalities not just between the sexes but between women in different parts of the country.
“It’s completely unacceptable that women in Scotland are not getting the same pre- eclampsia test in pregnancy as women in England.
“This should not even be up for debate: it’s approved by NICE and is potentially life- saving. The same principle applies for the newest HRT medication.
“We can’t have a postcode lottery in operation. There must be consistent access to treatment for all women.”
The Scottish Government said plans for a champion have not changed, with an appointment expected before 2024.