NUH is a Menopause Friendly Employer
We are delighted to announce that NUH has been reaccredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer. This is a huge achievement, and we are thrilled to be recognised for something we feel so passionate about. We are the first NHS Trust in the country to be awarded this, and we could not have done this without the support of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, who funded the processes so we could go ahead with the accreditation.
Over the years, we have spoken to many of you who have struggled with menopause at work and know the challenges you have faced. In 2019, we set up a Menopause Working Group, and from that, we have:
- Written a comprehensive menopause policy
- Guidance documents for managers and employees
- Menopause support sessions
- Menopause Awareness Sessions for Managers and Colleagues
- Lightweight uniform options
- Menopause advocates
- Raised awareness of issues around menopause
“We’ve thoroughly assessed all aspects of the excellent work Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has done. Their menopause programme clearly demonstrates that providing colleagues with the right awareness, education, and support is important to them. They’ve created a culture enabling people to talk about menopause openly, launched a comprehensive policy, regularly provided expert training, and engaged their colleagues, including creating a strong network of menopause advocates. We're delighted to recognise them as the UK's first accredited Menopause Friendly NHS Trust.”
— Evelyn Dickey, Menopause Friendly’s Independent Panel member (and non-executive director of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority).
We are increasingly having more conversations with staff who are struggling with the menopause at work. Of our workforce, 75% of NUH staff are female, of which 24% are between 45 and 55 years old (as of July 2019); therefore, large numbers will be going through the menopause at any one time.
We want to support staff to feel as though they can manage their symptoms well at work and foster an environment in which staff can talk openly to their colleagues and manager about the menopause.
We offer many workshops, events, and advocacy support all year round.
Menopause Workshops and Support Sessions
Browse through upcoming sessions and book your place.
Everything You Need to Know About Menopause
Led by a specialist consultant in menopause, these workshops dive a little deeper into what menopause is and focus on how you can manage symptoms via diet and lifestyle, as well as busting some myths around HRT. They are always popular, so booking is essential.
Menopause Support Session
This menopause support session is for all women, including those who menstruate and those who will go through menopause. Whether you are going through it yourself or you are simply curious to listen to the experiences of others, All we ask is that strict confidentiality be kept with respect and support upheld by all. We are here to describe and not prescribe; no advice, information, medical advice, or product promotion will take place at this session.
Navigating Menopause in the Workplace
This session for all NUH staff covers why we need to talk about menopause, what menopause is, why it happens and when, signs and symptoms, managing menopause, where more information is available and a chance to ask questions.
A Manager's Guide to Menopause in the Workplace
This Menopause Awareness Session is for all managers to help raise awareness of the perimenopause/menopause and ways you can support your staff experiencing menopausal symptoms. Covering: why we need to talk about menopause, what menopause is, why it happens and when, signs and symptoms, Managing menopause, where more information is available and a chance to ask questions.
Menopause and Pelvic Health
Our staff physiotherapist delivers this special seminar exploring pelvic health factors that can be helpful in managing your menopause, including those that may impact symptoms and prevent future conditions linked to the menopause. The hour-long seminar will cover the prevention and management of urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence, bowel symptoms, and prolapse.
Physical Health and the Menopause
Join our workshop exploring which lifestyle factors can be helpful in managing your menopause, including those that may impact on symptoms, and prevent against future conditions linked to the menopause. We will discuss nutrition and how to fuel yourself for menopausal symptoms, alongside how we should be physically active during this time too.
Mindfulness for Menopause
Recent studies have suggested that mindfulness may be a promising tool to help menopausal women struggling with irritability, anxiety, and depression. This session will guide you through how to be more mindful during your menopause and how to use mindfulness to cope with your symptoms.
Menopause Advisory Service
Menopause Advisory Service
Menopause and perimenopause can affect people in different ways. Symptoms can change over time and, for some people, can have an impact on their wellbeing and working life. At NUH, we want colleagues to feel able to talk about menopause and access support when they need it.
As part of a pilot scheme, our Menopause Advisory Service provides NUH staff with an opportunity to have a supportive one-to-one conversation with one of our four menopause trained nurses.
The clinics are here to give you time and space to talk through what you are experiencing, access reliable information and explore the support that may be available to you.
How we can support you
Our nurses can provide advice and support around:
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menopause and perimenopause symptoms and their impact
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general approaches to symptom management
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lifestyle, diet and nutrition
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understanding the NUH Staff Peri-menopause and Menopause Policy
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support and resources available within NUH
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preparing to speak to your GP or another medical professional
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preparing to talk to your manager about how symptoms are affecting you at work
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workplace adjustments that you may wish to discuss with your manager
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signposting to other appropriate services and sources of support.
NUH's menopause policy recognises that everyone's experience is different and that support should be considered according to individual circumstances. You can find more in the NUH Menopause Policy.
What the clinic does not provide
The Menopause Support Clinic is an advice and support service and does not replace medical care.
Our nurses cannot diagnose menopause or prescribe medication or HRT through these clinics.
If you need medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment, we can encourage and support you to speak to your GP or another appropriate medical professional.
To book an appointment
If menopause or perimenopause symptoms are affecting you and you would like some information, guidance or support, you are welcome to access the clinic. To enquire please email nuhnt.menopause.occhealth@nhs.net to request a questionnaire.
The nurses will then triage the questionnaire and book you an appointment, if appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a diagnosis of menopause to use the clinic?
No. You can use the clinic to talk through what you are experiencing, find information and consider what support could be helpful.
Can the nurse prescribe HRT or other medication?
No. The Menopause Support Clinic is not a prescribing or diagnostic service.
We can provide general information and support you to prepare for a conversation with your GP or appropriate medical professional about your symptoms and treatment options.
Can you help me prepare to speak to my GP?
Yes. We can help you think about your symptoms, the impact they are having and what information you may want to take to your appointment.
The NUH menopause policy also contains guidance to help employees prepare for conversations with medical professionals.
Can you help if my symptoms are affecting me at work?
Yes. We can talk through how your symptoms are affecting your working life, explain the support identified within the NUH menopause policy and help you prepare for a conversation with your manager.
Can the Menopause Support Clinic approve workplace adjustments?
No. The clinic can help you understand possible options and prepare for a conversation with your manager, but workplace adjustments need to be discussed and agreed with your manager.
Adjustments are considered according to individual need and the working environment. They are not automatic entitlements and should be agreed collaboratively, taking individual circumstances and service and clinical needs into account.
What types of workplace adjustments could be considered?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your symptoms, role and working environment, examples within the NUH policy include:
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access to drinking water
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additional or appropriately timed breaks
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access to toilets, washing or changing facilities
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access to fresh air or a cooler working environment where possible
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uniform adjustments where appropriate
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reviewing shifts or working patterns
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flexible working or working from home where appropriate
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reviewing workload or duties
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protected time for tasks requiring concentration
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DSE or manual handling adjustments
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regular check-ins with your manager.
Any adjustments need to be considered individually and take account of the needs of the employee, the working environment and service or clinical requirements.
Do I need an Occupational Health referral?
Not necessarily. The NUH policy states that Occupational Health should not usually need to be involved unless someone is experiencing significant problems affecting their work that have not been resolved between the employee and manager, for example where adjustments have not helped or there is regular or lengthy sickness absence.
What if I don't feel comfortable talking to my manager?
We recognise that talking about menopause can feel very personal.
The NUH policy recognises that not everyone will feel comfortable disclosing menopause-related issues to their line manager. Employees may ask to speak to another manager or a People Directorate representative, although information may need to be shared with the line manager where this is necessary to provide workplace support.
Menopause Support
To help you understand menopause, the Menopause Support non-profit company has created a Menopause Support Booklet which is available on the Menopause Support section of the intranet reviewed by clinicians, including a symptom checker tool. Alternatively, you can request a free copy of the booklet by emailing hello@menopausesupport.co.uk.
NHS England has created a new online Menopause e-learning resource. It has some really good information in there and only takes around 30 minutes to complete.
Mindfulness for the Menopause Session
This one hour long session will guide you through how to be more mindful during your menopause and how to use mindfulness to cope with your symptoms. Access the video here.
CBT for Menopause
This programme focuses on reducing the impact of hot flushes and night sweats and will include:
• Reviewing individual experiences of menopausal symptoms
• Physiology of menopausal symptoms
• The role of thoughts, feelings and behaviour
• Identifying triggers and what can exacerbate symptoms
• Relaxation and paced breathing
• Stress management
• Lifestyle and problem solving
• Managing night sweats and sleep
If you are interested in doing this course, contact us at: nuhnt.staffwellbeing@nhs.net
• Reviewing individual experiences of menopausal symptoms
• Physiology of menopausal symptoms
• The role of thoughts, feelings and behaviour
• Identifying triggers and what can exacerbate symptoms
• Relaxation and paced breathing
• Stress management
• Lifestyle and problem solving
• Managing night sweats and sleep
If you are interested in doing this course, contact us at: nuhnt.staffwellbeing@nhs.net
NUH Menopause Advocates
Throughout the trust, we now have a number of menopause advocates. These advocates might run some of the information seminars for staff groups, departments, and teams.
They are also available to have short 1-on-1 conversations with individuals who would like further sign posting, a compassionate conversation that may include experience sharing, or simply a listening ear.
If you would like to get in touch with an advocate, then please contact us at nuhnt.staffwellbeing@nhs.net.
Staff Perimenopause and Menopause Policy
We have a Staff Perimenopause and Menopause Policy available via KOHA on the intranet . Menopause and peri-menopause are very personal experiences and will differ from individual to individual. Symptoms will fluctuate during the course of the menopause. Different levels of adjustments and support may be required at different times based on individual needs. Menopause is a transition in life, and it’s not something that is ‘taboo’ or off-limits as a topic of conversation. We want all our colleagues to feel comfortable and supported at work.
The policy aims to:
- Provide guidance and information for all staff on the potential impact of menopause in the workplace.
- Outline the requirements for all staff experiencing peri-menopausal or menopausal symptoms that are affecting them in the workplace so they can continue to be successful in their roles and responsibilities
- Acknowledge that menopause awareness is not just for women; it is for all colleagues.
The appendix of this policy includes guidance sheets on how to prepare and have a conversation with your line manager as well as how to have a conversation with your GP.
Information For Managers
A Manager's Guide to Menopause in the Workplace Session
This Menopause Awareness Session is for all managers to help raise awareness of the perimenopause/menopause and ways you can support your staff experiencing menopausal symptoms.Covering:
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What menopause is, why it happens and when
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The demographic, business, social responsibility and legal cases for talking about menopause at work
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Signs and symptoms of menopause and how this can impact work
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Managing the menopause
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How you can support staff going through the menopause including having sensitive conversations, recording sickness absence and reasonable adjustments
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NUH Staff Perimenopause and Menopause policy
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Signposting and resources
You will also be provided with a Manager's Information pack after the session.
Browse through upcoming sessions and book your place
Guidance for Managers
- Managers are encouraged to discuss general wellbeing with employees throughout their employment at NUH. Opportunities are particularly provided to do this as part of our appraisal process and reviews.
- Managers do not need to wait until an employee brings up the issue of menopause and should proactively approach employees if they notice difficulties, done sensitively and in accordance with Trust Values and Behaviours.
- If an employee raises the issue of menopause, the manager is expected to listen and support the individual to identify ways this can be managed in the workplace.
- Not all individuals will feel comfortable disclosing issues to their line manager due to gender, age, religion, etc. Managers should support the individual in speaking with another manager if needed while maintaining confidentiality.
- Reasonable or tailored adjustments may be required. Each case should be considered on its own merits. Appendix 1 of the Staff Perimenopause and Menopause Policy provides guidance for managers.
- Further advice on adjustments can be found in the Wellbeing and Attendance Policy and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. Advice can also be sought from the People Directorate and Occupational Health.
This list is not exhaustive but provides practical suggestions. Each case should be considered on its own merits and work environment. The checklist at appendix one can be used to assist.
| Symptom | Ways to practically support staff |
|---|---|
| Hot flushes / feeling hotter than usual |
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| Headaches |
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| Difficulty sleeping / fatigue |
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| Heavy / irregular periods |
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| Frequent UTIs |
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| Musculoskeletal issues |
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| Poor concentration / memory issues / loss of confidence |
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| Psychological symptoms |
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| Individual |
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Further Resources
Further Resources
Menopause Matters: Information and support website ran by GPs
Women's Health Concern - provides a confidential, independent service to advise, reassure and educate women on the menopause
Daisy Network — provide support and information who are experiences premature menopause
Henpicked - Lifestyle website for women over 40
Queer / LGBTQIA+ Menopause (queermenopause.com) - a website for individuals to seeking information and support, and practitioners seeking to upgrade their knowledge about LGBTQIA+ experiences of Menopause.
Menopause Centre Deaf and Signed Resources - The Menopause Centre has produced a series of signed videos around menopause covering mental health, physical health and medication.
NHS England has created a new online Menopause e-learning resource. It has some really good information in there and only takes around 30 minutes to complete.
Menopause Support has created a Menopause Support Booklet, reviewed by clinicians, including a symptom checker tool. Alternatively, you can request a free copy of the booklet by emailing hello@menopausesupport.co.uk.