blog.gov.jeAs Assistant Minister with responsibility for Women’s Health, I am proud to share the progress Jersey is making in addressing the health needs of women and girls ahead of International Women’s Day.
Over the past year, the Government of Jersey has continued to strengthen services and support for women and girls. Much of the groundwork laid in 2024 is now bearing fruit, and new initiatives introduced in 2025 are helping us move closer to our goal: ensuring that women’s healthcare is prioritised, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Islanders.
Re-opening Rayner Ward and expanding gynaecological services
The reopening of Rayner Ward as Jersey’s dedicated Women’s Ward in November 2025 was a major step forward. The refurbished ward now provides modern facilities for women undergoing gynaecological and breast surgery. Alongside this, the Women’s and Children’s Care Group has been working to strengthen and improve services. This includes four new consultants joining the team, including a urogynaecologist, and the launch of a dedicated Endometriosis Clinic linked to UK specialists. Waiting times have been reduced with urgent gynaecology patients now being seen within two weeks and specialist clinics for fertility, menopause, and recurrent miscarriage are in place. These developments are already making a tangible difference, though we remain committed to addressing gaps and ensuring care continues to improve.
Expanding access to IVF
In January 2025, new criteria came into effect to widen access to funded IVF. Eligible couples could now receive up to three cycles depending on household income, with at least one funded cycle available irrespective of household income (subject to other criteria). Further reforms in October 2025 extended eligibility to families with children from previous relationships and removed requirements for female same-sex couples to prove infertility. Negotiated rates with UK providers mean more Islanders can benefit from treatment.
We will continue supporting Islanders who wish to start or grow their families, ensuring that access to IVF is fairer, more inclusive, and more affordable.
Reforming the Termination of Pregnancy Law
The draft Termination of Pregnancy (Jersey) Law 202- law has been lodged and is set to be debated by the Assembly next week. The draft law will extend the circumstances in which termination will be legal in Jersey, permitting terminations before 22 weeks on any grounds and without the woman having to justify her decision, in addition to permitting terminations over 22 weeks in certain circumstances, including avoiding significant risk of serious injury to the woman’s physical or mental health or serious foetal anomalies.
These reforms will help reduce the stigma associated with termination.
Screening and Prevention
Prevention and early detection remain central to our approach, enhancements during 2025 have included:
Breast screening: An opt-out programme for women aged 50–69 is now in operation. During 2025 this resulted in 703 women born in 1975 being automatically enrolled in the programme. Participation in breast screening has increased by 170% between November 2024-2025 in comparison with the previous year thanks to the opt-out programme and improved maintenance of equipment. Between December 2024 and June 2025, 36 cancers were detected among those called back following screening. These figures highlight the importance of early detection and the significant impact of expanding access to routine screening.
If you think you should have received a screening appointment, but have not received one, please get in touch with the Breast Screening team by calling: 01534 443790 or via email to: breastscreening@health.gov.je
If you have any breast symptoms that you are worried about, please get in touch with your GP who can then send you for mammography at the Hospital.
Cervical screening: Work is underway to move to an opt-out system for those eligible. In July 2025, personalised screening intervals were introduced. This change extended the standard cycle from three to five years for low-risk participants and ensures closer follow-up for those at higher risk. Women who test HPV negative are now screened every five years, in line with international best practice.
HPV vaccination: The vaccine provides vital protection against high-risk strains of Human Papilloma Virus, which are linked to cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and other cancers. Coverage remains strong in Jersey, with over 80% of eligible teenagers vaccinated in 2024. Public Health teams are working in schools to further improve uptake.
Supporting Women Through Life Stages
Menopause: For women experiencing symptoms of the menopause dedicated and regular clinics are held at Rayner Outpatients to offer support, care and resources. In addition, group-based education sessions at the Listening Lounge are available and focus on coping strategies, symptom management, and practical skills for living through the menopause. We will publish a Women’s Health Resource webpage later this year, which will help women access trusted information and practical support as well as providing information on how services can be accessed.
We realise that this is a time when women often need more support and understanding and encourage them to speak about what they are experiencing and things that are helping them cope/ could make a difference. Please talk to friends and family and others who ‘champion’ the menopause. Seek medical help from your GP and raise concerns with your employer. Also, eat healthily, exercise, stop smoking/ vaping, reduce alcohol intake, try to get enough sleep, make time for yourself and socialise with your friends. We don’t want anyone to struggle through the effects of menopause on their own.
Our key message is: ‘No –one should suffer in silence. There are things that can make day to day living better.’
Breastfeeding: Weekly clinics, GP training, and UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation are embedding consistent support for mothers, while the Breastfeeding Friendly Award for local businesses is supporting women to breastfeed comfortably in public spaces.
Maternity Services: We continue to be run maternity services from our newly refurbished Maternity Unit, which includes a dedicated midwifery -led delivery suite, offering women greater choice and a more personalised birthing experience.
Period products: The permanent free scheme launched in 2024 has expanded to 58 venues, ensuring women and girls can access supplies whenever they need them.
Social Prescribing and Healthy Living
The free social prescribing platform launched in 2024 is now connecting Islanders to activities that support both physical and mental wellbeing. The platform highlights a wide range of options, including the arts, cultural, and physical activities. Women can explore the platform directly to see what is available, or they can be signposted to activities by GPs and other professionals through programmes such as Connect Me.
Connect Me: Connecting our Communities has delivered 220 projects since 2022, benefiting more than 40,000 Islanders. Six grants have been specifically targeted at women only, while many more have provided significant benefits to women and girls.
The Healthy Start Scheme, which provides free fruit and vegetable vouchers was expanded in autumn 2025 to cover children up to the age of five, complementing free school meals and ensuring families are supported with good nutrition from birth through primary school age.
Listening and Acting
The Women’s Health Needs Assessment, published in December 2024, provided a clear evidence base for future planning. It highlighted barriers to care, the importance of prevention, and the need for credible information. In response, work is underway to launch a Women’s Health Resource subsite on gov.je, bringing together trusted guidance and local services in one place. We have also committed to delivering a Women’s Health Strategy
Looking Ahead
The progress made in 2025 shows what can be achieved when we listen, invest, and act. From IVF reform and modernised legislation to expanded screening and community-based support, Jersey is building a stronger foundation for women’s health.
As we move through 2026, our focus remains on delivering safe, supportive, and accessible services that meet the needs of women and girls at every stage of life.
Deputy Andy Howell
Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services