2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:40 pm on 3 May 2022.

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Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru 2:40, 3 May 2022

I'd like a statement, please, outlining what work is happening cross-Governmentally to address the hormone replacement therapy shortage in the UK. I've been contacted by constituents who are deeply concerned about this and filled with dread at the prospect of how they'll cope if they are not able to manage their menopause symptoms. Trefnydd, we don't talk enough about the menopause. There's still a stigma that means that too many women's concerns are ignored or they're not taken seriously, and they can go through debilitating symptoms, not just hot flushes or problems sleeping, but pain and anxiety that affects how they live their lives.

A recent survey found that one in 10 women who've worked through the menopause left their job because of their symptoms, and the current HRT shortage will be making countless women's lives more acutely stressful. Now, I realise that the UK Government has responsibility for maintaining the supply of medicines, but I understand that the Welsh Government is working cross-Governmentally to help ensure women continue to receive prescriptions. I'm sure women across Wales would welcome a statement from the Government updating us all on the progress that's being made across the UK to combat the HRT shortage.