1st Nov 2026
221+ Patient Representative and Vicky’s Call campaign ambassador Gráinne Culliton urges women in Ireland to “become the owner of your own health…don’t accept being dismissed if you feel there’s something wrong. You know your own body”.
With new social media campaign, Vicky’s Call, 221+ Patient Support Group asks women to break down stigma and open up about their gynaecological health. Mná na hÉireann, it’s time to talk about your vulva, vagina and what’s normal for you. Ask questions in the doctor’s office. Follow in Vicky Phelan’s legacy – don’t be afraid to speak up.
“That’s what we need to learn in this country – we need to ask more questions and not worry what people think” – Vicky Phelan.
We go to the doctor if we discover a lump, unusual bleeding or changes anywhere else on our body – we need to do the same for our gynaecological health too.
That is why 221+ launched this new campaign. Content on the Instagram account includes partnerships for World GO Day with the Irish Network of Gynaecological Oncology, health literacy with Patients for Patient Safety Ireland, content planned around gynae health and cancer symptoms with the Marie Keating Foundation, and more.
The campaign Instagram account, vickyscall_ireland, walks you through Vicky’s legacy, posts health literacy tips and has exciting video collaborations planned with current 221+ patient representatives on the basics of gynae health and sharing their own experience.
221+ Patient Representative and Vicky’s Call campaign ambassador Caoimhe O’Neill Forde: “My message to the women of Ireland is to take pride in yourself, advocate for yourself”
The aim of all of this is to empower women with knowledge, practical tools and confidence to talk about their gynae health and get the care they need.
Vicky Phelan wanted to make sure that what happened to her would “never happen to anybody else”. We recognise every patient’s right to well-informed, dignified, compassionate care. We know all too well how often women have been dismissed, stigmatised and how damaging a lack of transparency can be.
Patients have rights.
Patients have agency.
By empowering women to speak up, this campaign aims to complement the systemic changes that have been implemented because of the determination of people like Vicky Phelan.
ENDS
For reference:
Lily Fox: communications@221plus.ie
Vicky’s Call campaign Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/vickyscall_ireland/
221+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/221plus.ie/
221+ website: https://221plus.ie/