Neonatal nurse educator Michelle Brooks, age 38, has started a monthly staff menopause support group at University Hospital Wishaw. Her personal experience of premature menopause has motivated this.
Michelle explains: “Menopause is a transition that affects 100 per cent of women however 25 per cent experience severe symptoms.
“Results of a national survey revealed that 90 per cent of respondents believed their symptoms negatively affected their work. Around 50 per cent reported menopause related absences with around 30 per cent considering leaving their jobs or reducing their hours due to their symptoms.
“With a predominantly female, ageing workforce and access to numerous expert health professionals, University Hospital Wishaw seemed like the perfect location to initiate this group.
“With the backing of the maternity and neonatal senior leadership team and spiritual care/wellbeing teams, the group was formed. It has been supported by maternity secretary who shares communications, mail room who deliver flyers every month and the chaplaincy service who provide accommodation and refreshments.”
Jacqui Dillon and Caroline Spalding founders of the support group Menopause Warriors Scotland who starred in recent Davina McCall documentary have contributed to the success of the group from sharing their name to facilitating the first meeting.
Michelle added: “They are a pair of inspirational women in the menopause world who have recently been granted charity status for their organisation and have invited Michelle to sit on their board of trustees.
“Subsequent meetings have been supported by a range of NHSL professionals who have provided education and answered questions on their area of their expertise.
“The group have been grateful for the support of Kanan Rana (gynaecologist), Clare Willocks (gynaecologist), Louise McKay (physiotherapist) and Emma Ross (psychologist). To celebrate six months of Menopause Warriors Wishaw, the group enjoyed a visit from alternative therapist Ria this month who demonstrated some yoga and provided some massages.
“In addition to the evidence based information from specialists in their field, the group provides leaflets, copies of the workplace menopause policy, National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and a communication forum for its members between meetings.
“The most valuable aspect of the group however is believed to be the opportunity for women to support each other through sharing lived experiences and providing peer support to one another. There have been tears, laughter and lots of friendships formed along the way.”
Michelle who runs the group is in discussions with Monklands and Hairmyres wellbeing groups as well as various NHS and non NHS community groups to facilitate the establishment of additional menopause support groups.
The long-term vision is for meetings to be running in all three NHS Lanarkshire sites and in the community on different evenings so staff can have the flexibility to access support wherever and whenever is most suitable for them.
