A NEW survey has been launched looking at how to make it easier for women to access health services across Shropshire and mid Wales.

Figures show that women are not coming forward for screening and asking for help with the menopause so a project group made up of local NHS providers and patient representatives across the region is trying to find out the reasons why.

The group is now running a survey, which opened today (Monday, January 17) to find out the views of women and is encouraging all women to take part.

The survey results will be used to shape future women’s services in the area.

Dr Priya George, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group Clinical Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: “We are hoping to find out what women living locally already know about cancer screening and the menopause, and if there are anxieties or other barriers that prevent them from following up on screening invitations. This information will help us to make services more accessible for everyone.

“I’d like to encourage all women living in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid-Wales to complete the survey and share their views – every voice counts.”

Part of the survey will look at cancer screening services for women, as locally the number of women coming forward for breast and cervical screening services has been falling. The aim of the survey is to find out what local women know about screening, what they feel about taking part and what barriers they may face when they are invited to a screening appointment.

The second section of this survey looks at menopause as on average half of women aged 45-65 who have experienced the menopause in the past 10 years, have not consulted a healthcare professional about their menopausal symptoms and will also ask for more about how much women living locally know about menopause, how it affects them and their experience of healthcare and what can be done to improve this.

The link for the survey, which should take approximately 15 minutes to complete, is available here. All information provided for the survey will be anonymous and the closing date for the survey is Monday, February 28.

Once the survey results are collated they will be analysed and shared with NHS providers and patient representatives to see how improvements can be made to services and encourage more women to have screening and seek help with the menopause.

For any more information on the survey or paper copies of the survey email sath.engagement@nhs.net or ring 01743 261000 ext 2390.

Also, if you would like to be involved in any future workshops around Women’s Health, please email sath.engagement@nhs.net.