Scottish Government urged to reinstate women's health minister

Some 23 Scottish Labour MPs have signed a letter to SNP Health Secretary Angela Constance asking her to “give women’s health the attention it deserves.”

Bathgate and Linlithgow MP MP Kirsteen Sullivan - who wrote the letter - said that getting rid of the role “sends entirely the wrong message at a time when far too many women are still being failed by the healthcare system in Scotland.”

Despite the SNP administration having a dedicated minister for women’s health for the past five years, First Minister John Swinney decided against continuing the role when he appointed his new government last week.

It has now been placed under the duties of Maree Todd, the minister for mental wellbeing, public health, sport, alcohol and drugs.

Ms Sullivan - who is also the chair of the Endometriosis All-Party Parliamentary Group in Westminster - said: “Women across Scotland living with endometriosis have already waited far too long for diagnosis, treatment and support.

“Removing the dedicated Minister for Women’s Health sends entirely the wrong message at a time when far too many women are still being failed by the healthcare system in Scotland.

“Endometriosis affects one in ten women, yet many continue to endure up to a decade long wait for care while having their pain ignored or dismissed.

“Women’s health demands strong, dedicated leadership, sustained focus and real accountability within government.

“I call on the Cabinet Secretary to reinstate the role as a matter of urgency and give women’s health the attention it deserves.”

Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto had been the minister for public health and women’s health from March 2023 - when Humza Yousaf became first minister - until last week.

Ms Minto was the only Scottish Government minister sacked from the government after the Holyrood election.

Ms Todd had been the minister for public health, women’s health and sport between 2021 and 2023.

The letter said: “There has been a welcome focus on women’s health in recent months, particularly in relation to menstrual health conditions.

“However, there is a significant risk that this progress may be lost without a clear, singular focus within the Scottish Government.”

It added: “Whilst I appreciate the need for efficiency within the Scottish Government, reflecting the efficiencies that local government and other public services have been forced to find for many years, merging key briefs under one overarching Cabinet role, undermines the importance of critical issues which no longer have dedicated attention at ministerial level.”

Ms Constance had been justice secretary before the election, but her and former health secretary Neil Gray have swapped roles.

Ms Constance was ruled to have breached the ministerial code earlier this year after she claimed professor Alexis Jay had said a grooming gangs inquiry in Scotland was not necessary.

But the Scottish Government’s independent advisers stated she had done so without the intent to mislead and saw off calls to resign.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Minister for Public Health Maree Todd has Ministerial responsibility for women’s health. Ms Todd looks forward to progressing the Women's Health Plan and delivering on this vital issue.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring those living with endometriosis can access the best possible care and support. A new endometriosis care pathway has been put in place in the NHS in Scotland and the Scottish Government has funded free endometriosis training resources for healthcare professionals”