Bridging Gaps in Women’s Health: Innovation, Access, and Care Equity

11:15 - 12:30

As NHS Scotland advances its renewal agenda, putting equitable access to high-quality care  at the heart of system transformation is essential. This session presents a bold vision for improving women’s health by showcasing how NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Gynaecology team is pioneering a national shift in surgical care pathways, access, and innovation. 
 
Delegates will hear how the team is transforming day-case major pelvic surgery through enhanced recovery protocols and robotic-assisted techniques - achieving same-day discharge in over 95% of patients undergoing complex procedures such as hysterectomy and deep endometriosis excision. These changes are delivering significantly shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and improved surgical outcomes. 

This session will explore how redesigned pathways and investment in surgical robotics have helped address a two-year treatment backlog for specialist endometriosis care, while bringing specialist care closer to home through the Caring for Ayrshire model. The session will also highlight how embedding innovation, local service delivery, and a gender-equity lens delivers better outcomes for patients—and system sustainability. 

Delegates will take away practical, replicable strategies to scale innovation in gynaecology and beyond - ensuring our health service meets the needs of women today and in the future.