New FemTech Report and What Consultants Should Know

Women’s health has often been an underfunded and under-researched area in healthcare. However, a new report from Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) and University College Cork (UCC) is calling for that to change. The publication, FemTech in Ireland: The Case for Prioritising Women’s Health Research and Innovation, highlights the urgent need for greater investment, research, and clinical focus on women’s healthcare.

For consultants and senior doctors, this report signals not just a policy discussion but a practical shift that could impact day-to-day practice, patient care, and workforce opportunities across Ireland.

Why This Matters for Consultants

The FemTech sector refers to technology and innovations aimed at improving women’s health, from reproductive and gynaecological care to menopause, chronic pain, and maternal health solutions. While the sector is growing globally, Ireland has the potential to position itself as a leader in this space if healthcare professionals actively engage with research and innovation.

For consultants in obstetrics, gynaecology, endocrinology, psychiatry, and primary care, the report underscores the importance of:

• Greater integration of women’s health data into clinical decision-making.
• Research opportunities that invite collaboration between consultants, technologists, and policymakers.
• Innovative treatments and technologies that may soon become part of routine practice in Irish hospitals and clinics.

Clinical Implications for Daily Practice

The report calls attention to areas where women’s health needs have historically been overlooked:

• Menstrual health and endometriosis: Often underdiagnosed, these conditions demand earlier recognition and more effective treatment pathways. Consultants in gynaecology and primary care will play a central role in reshaping standards of care.
• Maternal mental health: With perinatal depression and anxiety increasingly recognised, psychiatrists and GPs are likely to see higher demand for specialised services.
• Menopause management: New guidelines and treatment approaches are emerging, requiring endocrinologists and GPs to upskill in supporting women during this life stage.
• Digital health tools: Apps, wearable trackers, and telemedicine platforms could provide clinicians with richer patient data, supporting personalised treatment plans.

For doctors in locum roles, exposure to different hospitals and practices will provide valuable insights into how these emerging standards are being implemented across the country.

Opportunities for Consultants and Locums

Ireland’s focus on women’s health opens new career pathways for consultants and senior doctors. Hospitals and clinics will increasingly need professionals with expertise in:

• Obstetrics and gynaecology
• Reproductive endocrinology
• Psychiatry with a women’s health focus
• General practice with special interest in female health
• Pain management and chronic condition care for women

Locum consultants, in particular, are well-placed to support services during periods of high demand or while new programmes are rolled out. This provides doctors with both clinical impact and career flexibility.

At Locum Express, we are already seeing increased demand for obstetricians, gynaecologists, and women’s health consultants across Ireland. Registering as a locum not only offers exposure to diverse clinical environments but also ensures doctors are at the forefront of these important changes.

Conclusion

The new FemTech report is more than a policy paper, it’s a call to action for Ireland’s medical community. Consultants and doctors will be instrumental in shaping the future of women’s healthcare, from pioneering new clinical approaches to supporting patients with innovative solutions.

For consultants ready to make an impact in this evolving field, locum opportunities provide a unique way to engage with diverse healthcare settings while contributing to a national priority.

Explore our open consultant roles today and register with Locum Express to stay ahead in this vital area of medicine.