Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill today addressed the Ladies Lounge event at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, highlighting the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening and improving women’s healthcare services across every stage of life.

Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: "I am delighted to be here at the Ladies Lounge event and to see and hear the commitment, expertise and ambition of our healthcare professionals, clinicians and advocates in advancing women’s health.

"The Ladies Lounge is a fantastic example of what happens when we bring the right people together – experts, clinicians, advocates, and women with lived experience, your experiences! in a relaxed and supportive environment. It allows conversations that truly matter. Conversations about endometriosis, reproductive health, fertility, menopause, and so many other issues that have a profound impact on women’s daily lives, their well-being, their families, and their futures."

Hosted by HSE Dublin and North East Region and the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at RCSI, the event brought together healthcare professionals, clinicians, researchers and advocates to explore key issues affecting women’s health.

These included mental health, fertility and reproductive care, menopause, cardiovascular health, endometriosis, breast cancer care and wider preventative health strategies.

Taking place during Women’s Health Month, the event focused on advancing evidence-based practice, improving awareness of women’s health issues, and strengthening integrated care pathways and support services for women throughout their lives.

The Ladies Lounge event featured expert speakers from across the healthcare sector covering a broad range of topics, including women’s mental health, postnatal care, reproductive health and fertility services, venous thromboembolism risk across the lifespan, menopause and hormone replacement therapy, female cardiovascular health, recurrent miscarriage supports, and emerging developments in breast cancer care and rehabilitation.

The event was attended by approximately 150 delegates and included contributions from healthcare specialists across HSE Dublin North East, RCSI, maternity services and community healthcare organisations. It provided a platform for shared learning, professional exchange and discussion on the future of women-centred healthcare in Ireland.

The Ladies Lounge is a nurse-led educational initiative dedicated to promoting women’s health and empowering women through education, awareness and open conversation around health issues that have historically been under-recognised or under-discussed.