Deputies to Question Absence of Dedicated Women's Policy

Jersey’s Health Minister is set to face scrutiny from States Members in an upcoming public hearing, following concerns over the lack of a dedicated strategy addressing the health and wellbeing of women and girls on the island.

The Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel has called the hearing in response to a recent Public Health report, which revealed that many women and girls felt their specific health needs were not being met. The report highlighted a rising demand for mental health support, particularly among younger women.

Deputy Louise Doublet, who chairs the panel, said the lack of targeted action had raised serious concerns. “Our health system belongs to us all and it must serve us all in the best way it can,” she said. “However, evidence suggests that historically, the system has been designed with men’s health needs more in mind.”

She added that the government's decision to halt progress on a women’s health strategy had sparked renewed debate and warranted further public accountability.

“We know from international studies that although women tend to live longer than men, they also spend a larger proportion of their lives in poor health,” she noted.

In preparation for the hearing, the panel has invited women and girls to share their personal healthcare experiences and is encouraging islanders to submit questions for the minister by 23 April via email at scrutiny@gov.je.

The hearing will take place at St Paul’s Centre in St Helier on [insert hearing date, if known], between 12:00 and 14:00 BST, and will be open to the public.