A welcome visitor to the Derry Well Women Centre on Queen Street was Northern Ireland’s recently-appointed Health Minister, Robbie Butler, MLA, who met with staff to learn first-hand about the centre’s long-standing commitment to supporting women.
During the Minister’s visit, staff took the opportunity to showcase the wide range of health and wellbeing services delivered by the centre.
The meeting also provided a vital forum to discuss the ongoing challenges and opportunities in improving health outcomes for women across Northern Ireland.
Minister Butler heard about Derry Well Women’s extensive history of supporting women at every stage of their lives.
He was also briefed on its collaborative work alongside Queen’s University Belfast and the Department of Health on the Women’s Health Listening Exercise for NI. The findings from this research project were recently received by his Department and will ensure that the genuine voices and lived experiences of women are placed at the heart of developing Northern Ireland’s upcoming Women’s Health Action Plan.
Health Minister Robbie Butler said: “I was delighted to visit Derry Well Women and hear about the fantastic work they do. Improving women’s health outcomes is a key area of focus for me, so it was really interesting to hear the work they do in this space.
“Organisations such as Derry Well Women will be an integral part of my Neighbourhood Model of Health and Wellbeing, which will support earlier intervention, better coordination and appropriate care closer to home.”
Speaking following the visit, Rhonda Murphy, General Manager at Derry Well Women, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Derry Well Women. We are particularly encouraged by his recognition of the contribution our organisation has made in advancing women's health and influencing policy through our collaboration with Queen's University Belfast and the Department of Health.
‘As an organisation, we remain committed to a life-course approach to women's health. We will continue ensuring that women's voices are heard and reflected as the Women's Health Action Plan is implemented, helping to shape services that are responsive, equitable, and grounded in women's lived experiences.’
Derry Well Women Centre is situated at 17 Queen Street, Derry and was founded in 1988 as a women’s health organisation run by women for women. For further information, telephone 02871 360777.
1. The Minister for Health Robbie Butler pictured with Marie Claire McLaughlin, chair and Rhonda Murphy, General Manager, Derry Well Woman during a courtesy visit to centre on Wednesday afternoon.
Jim McCafferty Photography
2. STRAGEGY 26-31. . . . .The Minister for Health Robbie Butler pictured getting a read through the Derry Well Woman’s newly-launched five-year strategy plan during his visit on Wednesday. He is pictured with Marie Claire McLaughlin, chair and Rhonda Murphy, General Manager.
Jim McCafferty Photography
3. The Minister for Health Robbie Butler meeting with Derry Well Woman board officers, management and public health representatives during a courtesy visit on Wednesday afternoon to the centre at Queen Street, Derry.
Jim McCafferty Photography
4. The Health Minister in conversation with some of the ladies from Derry Well Woman during last Wednesday's visit.
Jim McCafferty Photography