Objective(s)

Lead and coordinate the Health Improvement contribution to Phase Two of the Women’s Health Plan (2026-2029), developing and supporting initiatives that improve access to information, care and support, while reducing inequalities in health outcomes for women and girls across NHS Highland

Delivery Team

• Heather MacKay (Lead)
• Susan Birse

Activities

• To lead and coordinate postpartum contraception health improvement activity across NHS Highland, increasing awareness of contraceptive choices following birth, supporting informed reproductive decision-making, and working with partners to reduce short pregnancy intervals and improve outcomes for women, babies and families.
• To ensure there is menopause health improvement activities across NHS Highland that empower women with knowledge, support informed decision-making, and help reduce inequalities in menopause experiences and outcomes
• To lead and coordinate preconception health improvement activity across NHS Highland, promoting informed reproductive life planning, supporting the rollout of Scotland’s One Key Question, and reducing inequalities in access to preconception information and support.
• Support and lead health improvement work that reduces the long-term impact of childbirth related pelvic floor trauma through improved education, early identification, consistent postnatal information, and support the workforce across maternity services, ensuring women know what to expect after birth, what symptoms require attention, and how to access appropriate support.
• Raise awareness of women’s health issues across the life course and support or lead projects that improve equitable access to care, information, services and support for women and girls across NHS Highland.

Governance

• TBC.

Performance Measures/Outcomes

• Number of staff trained or assessed as competent in postpartum contraception provision.
• Pharmacy dispensing audit postpartum contraception results.
• Number and percentage of relevant staff completing the TURAS modules.
• Number of clinical teams receiving targeted education or support.
• Qualitative feedback from service users.
• Improvements in staff confidence and knowledge (via pre and post training surveys).
• Number of menopause resources promoted, distributed, or downloaded.
• Number of preventions focused pelvic health sessions, programmes, or resources delivered or shared.
• Inclusion of gendered health inequality content in training sessions or presentations.