As Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson on equalities, I feel passionately that we need to address gender based health inequalities for the good of our health service and the women of Wales.
I sit on the Senedd's Equality and Social Justice Committee and the Women's Health - Cross Party Group which aims to address the broad range of health issues currently facing Welsh women, ensure that they are listened to, have access to comprehensive healthcare and work to improve their healthcare experiences and outcomes.
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14.04.25 - Lack of breast cancer data is failing people in Wales
For the Western Mail's Health Pages, I wrote about how government can ensure that there’s enough support for people with secondary breast cancer in Wales, when they don’t know who has it.
26.03.25 - Short Debate: Thinking differently: The Women's Institute campaign to support autistic and ADHD women and girls
25.03.25 - 'The Cost of Endometriosis’ Event
I was very glad to have taken part in Endometriosis UK and FTWW Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales Action Month Event on ‘The Cost of Endometriosis’. So concerning to hear about the huge economic cost of endometriosis and the effect of unacceptably long waiting times for gynaecology appointments. The Welsh Government's Women's Health Plan must lead to lasting change for those living with endometriosis, and the initiatives to achieve this sustainably funded and accelerated.
11.03.25 - First Minister’s Question: Metastatic Breast Cancer Data
If Welsh Government don’t know how many people have incurable breast cancer in Wales, then how can be sure they are getting sufficient support? I asked the First Minister about addressing this crucial gap in breast cancer data.
06.03.25 - Action vital now on abortion care
12.02.25 - Question to the Health Minister: Abortion Care
Some aspects of abortion care in Wales are woefully lacking, with often vulnerable people having to travel to England. I raised this Welsh Government and was glad that they have now promised to take action, following calls from organisations like BPAS on this issue for years.
22.01.25 - Debate on cancer services
In this debate I highlighted the health inequality here in Wales. On average, women in Wales are less likely to receive cancer treatment within the ideal clinical window than men. The inevitable result is that mortality rates from gynaecological cancer are higher in Wales compared to the rest of the United Kingdom.
06.01.25 - Mesh scandal requires action
19.11.24 - First Minister’s Question Vaginal Mesh
Wales finally has a Women’s Health Plan after years of campaigning. Disappointing not to see vaginal mesh, one of the biggest health scandals of recent times, mentioned. I asked the Welsh Government to do better by the 1000s of Welsh women who have suffered.
25.10.24 - Tickled Pink
It was great to meet Patricia, Asda Llansamlet's community officer with Store Manager Warren, and support their Tickled Pink campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with their poignant ask: “Do the real self-checkout”.
18.10.24 - Supporting 'Wear it Pink' for Breast Cancer Now
02.10.24 – Debate: Women’s health care
02.07.24 - Love Your Period
I was really pleased to support the Love Your Period campaign event in the Senedd. I learnt about the work to help educate young people about periods, to help people feel able to talk about how periods impact their lives, and the work that is still needed to end period poverty. There are so many new, sustainable, body friendly products available, but too many people can’t afford them, and some toilet facilities aren’t keeping up with the needs of people who have periods, so there’s still a long way to go ensure everyone can benefit from good menstrual health.
23.05.24 - Written question for the Cabinet Secretary for Health Maternity staffing levels at Swansea Bay Health Board
29.03.24 - April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month
11.03.24 - Ten years for a diagnosis – the condition affecting 1 in 10 women
20.02.24 - I’m proud to be a Target Ovarian Cancer Champion.
This it’s a disease that continues to be overlooked. It’s really important to raise awareness all year round, but especially in March as it’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
07.02.24 Visit with Pontyclun Bosom Pals
Warm food, warm fireside and warm company – it’s already clear that the Warm Hub in Pontyclun is appreciated by many of my constituents. Congratulations to Pontyclun Bosom Pals , Cllr Wayne Owen and the team at the Boars Head in Tyla Garw. I aslo visted the group back in December. Grown from the community, for the community – it was wonderful to meet Sue, the Ambassador for Pontyclun Bosom Pals. Although based in Pontyclun, the group also provides support for people in South Wales West - for example Maesteg, Bridgend and Pencoed. If you can get to Pontyclun easily, and are looking for a breast cancer support network, make sure you get in touch with this great group.
22.01.24 - Swansea Maternity Unit
15.12.23 - Swansea maternity service findings “extremely distressing” says Plaid Cymru
01.12.23 - “Clarity needed” on future of Neath Port Talbot fertility clinic
15.11.23 - CIPD Women's Health in the Workplace Event Panellist
It was great to be asked to take part in this important event with over 80+ attendees, including HR managers and directors from across the public, private and third sector. The CIPD has long pushed for better workplaces for women, including producing a series of focused, practical materials and guidance to support employers and employees to improve conditions for women at work. Women continue to face a number of challenges in the workplace, ranging from balancing childcare and work, to experiencing baby loss and managing fertility treatment and the menopause at work. The event to delved into topics such as these, which have a significant and tangible impact on the women of Wales’s workforce, to help accelerate progress towards real-world solutions.
27.11.23 Red card for Wales when it comes to women’s health
22.08.23 Below the Belt film screening
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