Women’s Health Hubs research

INFORMATION SHEET FOR PARTICIPANTS

Please see the privacy notice for information about how we will use your information safely.

1.     Who is doing the research?

The Welsh Government has commissioned OB3 Research (OB3) to undertake research to evaluate the early development of women’s health hubs in Wales.

OB3 is an independent research, evaluation and consultancy firm.

2.     Why is the research being conducted?

Some of the key aims of this evaluation are to understand:

·       the assumptions and expectations about women’s health hubs in the community

·       how to communicate messaging about women’s health hubs

The research is expected to provide recommendations for the future development of the women’s health hubs.

3.     Why have you been asked to take part?

OB3 wants to talk to women in Wales who are likely to access the services of these health hubs. This might be to access information, support or services about contraception, endometriosis/adenomyosis, menstrual health, perimenopause/menopause or pelvic health issues for example.

4.     What will taking part involve?

You told us via Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW), that you would be prepared to take part in a discussion group with other women so that we can understand more about your awareness and understanding of what a women’s health hub is, what your needs and expectations are in terms of information, support and services, your communication preferences, and barriers and facilitators to access.

You will be invited to take part in an online discussion held via Microsoft Teams in June 2026. The focus group will take up to an hour and a half. You will be able to participate in Welsh or English, according to your preference. 

5.     Will you be paid for taking part?

We offer a £50 gift voucher to all who participate fully in our focus groups.

6.     Do you have to take part?

No, participation in this research project is completely voluntary. You can decide not to take part at any time, and no reason needs to be given. You can say no to answering any questions during the focus group.

7.     What are the possible benefits of taking part?

We hope that the research will support the Welsh Government to develop their approach to women’s health hubs in Wales  

8.     What are the possible risks of taking part?

Focus group discussions will be held in confidence and nothing that you tell us will be shared with anybody outside of the research team, unless there is a risk of harm to you or someone else. All focus group participants will be asked not to repeat anything that is disclosed by other focus group participants.

9.     What will happen to my personal information and the recording of the discussion?

Please see the Privacy Notice that accompanies this information sheet, which describes how we securely handle any personal information.

10. What will happen to the results of the research project?

The information collected during the project will be included in a report published on the Welsh Government website and possibly in other publications by OB3 and Welsh Government. These reports will not include any information that could be used to identify individual participants.

11. What if I have a question?

The contact for this research at OB3 is Heledd Bebb.

E-mail address: heledd.bebb@ob3research.co.uk