Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Responds to Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan Phase 2

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan Phase 2 and the renewed commitment it brings to improving women’s health across the country. 

“The first plan played a pivotal role in advancing action in this area, but we know it was only the beginning. This new iteration strengthens that foundation and places a vital emphasis on prevention and early intervention, particularly in cardiovascular health, which strongly aligns with CHSS’ No Life Half Lived mission. 

“Women in Scotland continue to face significant inequalities when it comes to cardiovascular health. They are more than twice as likely to die from heart disease as from breast cancer1 and are less likely than men to be prescribed treatment to prevent future occurrences of heart conditions2. Without decisive action, thousands more women will continue to face preventable and life-limiting conditions. 

“We appreciate the Plan’s acknowledgement of reproductive health conditions link to cardiovascular health, and we are ready to fulfil a leading role in delivering the Plan’s ambitions. Through our national Advice Line, Health Defence Hubs, community support services, and education resources, we are ideally placed to support women at every stage of life to manage and prevent long-term conditions. There has been measurable women’s health progress made by both CHSS and the Scottish Government and NHS with the pilot of the new care pathway for women who experience hypertensive disorder during pregnancy and CHSS’s first Women’s Health Hub launched in Grampian.  

“While this progress is welcome, there remain important gaps that must be addressed if the Plan is to deliver truly equitable outcomes for women. Stroke, a leading cause of death and disability among women, is notably under‑represented and should be fully embedded within Scotland’s women’s health and brain health programmes. Likewise, long‑term conditions such as respiratory disease, Long Covid and fatigue, which disproportionately impact women’s daily lives, require far greater prominence in future policy. CHSS stands ready to work with Government and partners to ensure these priorities are fully integrated and that women affected by long‑term conditions receive the support and care they deserve. 

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the Government, NHS, individuals with lived experience, and third sector partners to bring this Plan to life. We will publish the second iteration of our own Women’s Health Plan in spring 2026, which will outline our supporting actions. Together, we can create a future where every woman in Scotland, regardless of background, can access the right care, at the right time, in the right place, so they can live life to the fullest.”