Adrienne Lynam, women's health co-ordinator, HSE Western Area, aims to create a women-friendly health service but not to the detriment of men
My job is to work as an advocate for women's heath and drive the implementation of the regional plan for women's health, which has over 350 recommendations.
Two of the main aims of this plan are to increase health gain for women and create a women-friendly health service.
I am based in the primary care department in Merlin Park in Galway and I liaise with many other departments.
I also work very closely with the Women's Health Advisory Committee, which is a multidisciplinary steering committee made up of mainly health service people and some community representatives, such as a representative from the Traveller community and a representative from the National Women's Council.
There are a total of six women's health co-ordinators in the country. Last week we launched a publication entitled Why target women's health?, which was the first national document launched by the HSC.
In this we outlined a number of issues which are of major concern for us working in the field.
We highlighted the alarming increase in lung cancer among women, which has risen by 3 per cent each year and is predicted to overtake breast cancer in the near future. We highlighted the changing lifestyles in women, with women becoming sexually active much younger and increasing the likelihood of contracting STI and increasing the probability of crisis pregnancy. Binge dieting, which will lead to an increase in osteoporosis and possible infertility, and obesity are major concerns. There is an increasing rate of depression among women, who are being prescribed medication rather than the counselling services that they want.
My routine varies greatly. I work closely with a lot of service providers and voluntary organisations. In particular, I enjoy my role as a broker between the expertise of the HSE and the community and voluntary groups. For example, if a voluntary group has identified stress as a concern for women, I will arrange for an expert to speak to them on the issue.
Last weekend I was at a psychological wellbeing conference in Moygownagh in north Mayo. Earlier this week I was in Mayo Abbey at a nutrition workshop for young mothers.
I am organising, in conjunction with Women's Health Advisory Committee, a personal safety week for young women for next October and the Women of the West Heath Forum for next September.
One of my roles is to organise the smear clinics in the Galway area. I also represent women on national and regional committees in the HSE.
There is a need for a gendered approach to the way health services are planned and provided and I feel very strongly that this should not be to the detriment of men. Like doing a disability check, it means being sensitive to the needs of the service's target group.
If a gynaecological clinic is being held it should be women friendly. Can you get a buggy in; will a women be able to breast feed; bring her other children; or finish up in time to pick up children from school?
I started this job in 2001. Before that I worked in marketing for a healthcare company, which was based in Ballina. I really enjoy the work. I love the networking and like the community element of my job. I love working with women's groups because that's where you can make a difference.
The health service is a very family-friendly area. It is possible to be a mother and work and make a difference in both spheres.