Menopause guidance ‘is step forward’

New NHS England guidance on supporting staff through the menopause is “a positive step forward for all women who work in the NHS”, according to BMA doctors’ union representative body chair Dr Latifa Patel. She urged employers to put the guidance into action to ensure they provide adequate support for staff and “stop the stigma around a normal physiological process”.

BMA research has found a significant number of women senior doctors have reduced their hours, left management roles, or intend to leave medicine altogether because of the barriers they faced when going through the menopause. The union says better access to flexible working patterns, access to appropriate facilities and occupational health services, and the provision of wellbeing support can help to retain women experiencing the menopause.