This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Doctors express ‘fear’ in speaking out about menopause
Women doctors experiencing the menopause have told a BMA survey about the physical and mental impact it is having on their lives, and for some it’s meant a change to their working lives.
A new report from the British Medical Association highlights a lack of support for many and a huge reluctance to discuss the problem with managers and colleagues.
Based on a survey of 2,000 doctors, the BMA says that 90 per cent of female doctors cited symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, loss of confidence and debilitating hot flushes as effecting their ability to work – with 38 per cent saying the impact was ‘significant’.
Additionally, more than a third told how they wanted to make changes to their working lives as a result of menopause but couldn’t and almost half said they wanted to discuss the topic with their manager but did not feel comfortable.
The BMA is calling for employers to take a pro-active approach to the topic of menopause, to make is easier to talk about and to make sure staff know signposting to support is available. The association wants more to be done to ease menopausal symptoms such as enabling doctors to work flexibly, adjusting the workplace and providing support for mental health and well-being.
Dr Helena McKeown, BMA Representative Body Chair, said: “Menopause is still a taboo subject in many workplaces and that includes the medical profession. Many women feel uncomfortable discussing their needs with their managers. The survey clearly shows that this is a significant problem within the medical profession. Doctors are aware of these issues for their patients, so it’s time to extend this awareness to an improved, more sympathetic working for doctors experiencing this themselves.”
“We need to ensure that we retain women doctors who are a crucial part of the workforce. Simple steps taken now to help women experiencing the menopause now and for those in the future, will help to retain them and ensure less lost working days because of menopausal symptoms.”
Latest News
16/02/2024 - 12:56
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.
16/02/2024 - 10:44
Two million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan according to new NHS data.
15/02/2024 - 10:26
The Welsh Government has provided innovation funding of £380,000 to support two projects utilising technology in domiciliary care.
15/02/2024 - 10:13
The new Scottish health secretary has met with frontline staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
14/02/2024 - 10:27
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed three new Executive Directors to the Trust Board.
Product Features
UK Building Regulations highlight toxic gas and smoke from layers of paint built up over multiple redecorations as a major cause of permanent ill health or death in a building fire.
Their concern rose with discovery the flame retardant paints most widely used paint along escape routes have been ones which to this day counter-productively use emission of heavy toxic gas to smother flames which rapidly spread along walls if layers of paint delaminate in a fire.
Supplier Profiles
Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients
Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho
Latest Features
Sarah Greenslade, public affairs and communications officer at the British Parking Association looks at some of the problems and innovations in healthcare parking
It’s easy to assume that the comms team is there to handle press enquiries and the occasional social media storm – but the reality is that strategic communications can make a measurable impact across the entire organisation, from operational to financial, when done properly
