Salisbury Hospital Signs Menopause Pledge to Improve Staff Support

Today on World Menopause Day, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust has signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge, led by the charity Wellbeing of Women, to make sure that they are supporting staff experiencing the menopause or peri-menopause, as well as informing and educating colleagues, friends and managers to create a supportive, inclusive workplace. By signing the pledge, the Trust has committed to recognising that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and must actively offer support and information to employees affected, encouraging them to talk openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause.

‘Menopause’ is a term used to describe the natural decline of a woman’s reproductive hormones, beginning typically between the ages of 45 to 55, although some women can experience symptoms earlier (peri-menopause). Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep disturbances. All of which can result in an increase in anxiety and depression.

It is estimated that around 900,000 women in the UK have quit their jobs because of the menopause and with women making up around 75% of NHS Staff, it is crucial that action is taken now to support colleagues.

CEO Stacey Hunter said: “We really are committed to supporting our staff at every stage of their career and I’m delighted that we are now talking more openly about the menopause in the workplace, which is where individuals can often find their symptoms most debilitating. Committing to the Menopause Workforce Pledge, providing extra support and resources to our colleagues and encouraging those who are suffering to speak up and ask for help is a very welcome and much needed change here at SFT.”

(Photo: CEO Stacey Hunter and Chief People Officer Melanie Whitfield with signed Menopause Workforce Pledge)

18 October 2022