A women’s health website developed with Dorset women has gone live in the region.
The website, produced by Dorset Women CIC in conjunction with NHS Dorset and the public, aims to provide resources on women’s health and raise awareness of local community services.
Covering topics such as contraception, mental health, breast health, menopause, HPV and pelvic health, it is expected to improve access and quality of care – a priority identified by women – and ease pressures on NHS services.
The website is part of a wider programme of women’s health activity in Dorset following funding received as part of the Government’s £25 million investment to develop ‘women’s health hubs’ under the national Women’s Health Strategy.
NHS Dorset chief medical officer Dr Paul Johnson said the website would be ‘a lifeline’ for the 360,000 women and girls aged 15 and over who lived in Dorset.
He described it as ‘a one-stop shop’ for women and girls, including those who identify as transgender and non-binary, to help them navigate the local healthcare system.
‘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,’ said Dr Johnson.
Marianne Storey, chair of Dorset Women, said it was essential that women and girls have the information they need to take control of their health and the website would empower them to do this.
‘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,’ she said.
Ms Storey added that feedback from users of the website was welcome.
‘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,’ she said.
For the broader women’s health programme in the area, NHS Dorset has 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.
Work includes raising young people’s awareness of HPV vaccination by visiting schools/colleges, training on racial discrimination to equip healthcare workers with the tools needed to have culturally competent conversations with colleagues and patients, and menopause webinars for healthcare workers working with women, led by a local gynaecologist.
A campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the new website, which includes the distribution of promotional materials and stakeholder events.
To access the site visit https://ourdorset.org.uk/women
