BETSI Cadwaladr is in discussions with the Welsh Government about how they will implement a new policy that will see free sanitary products given to all women patients.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), who look after main hospitals including Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwddyan; Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd, do currently provide free sanitary products in certain areas in their hospitals such as the children’s inpatient wards and emergency departments.

They also provide free sanitary towels during the immediate post-delivery and post-op period, both in maternity services and gynaecology services.

The provision of sanitary products for hospital inpatients varies across Wales as each health board has their own policy.

Under the new policy, free sanitary products will be available to all women across all Welsh hospitals.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: "I want to ensure all women admitted to hospital in Wales can access these essential products.

"It's unacceptable for anyone not to be able to access essential period products because they can’t afford them, particularly when they are receiving treatment in hospital.

"Patients should expect to receive the best possible care in comfort and dignity.

"I have asked our officials to work with NHS Wales to implement this policy as soon as possible."

A spokesperson for BCUHB said: “We are in discussions with Welsh Government to see how we can implement this new policy.”

Last month, the British Medical Association (BMA), the trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors, called for sanitary products to be made freely available across all hospitals in the UK.

An investigation by the BMA found that a significant number of hospital trusts and health boards in the UK (42 per cent) either did not supply sanitary products at all, would only supply small amounts, or would supply them in the case of an emergency.