Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs hospital services at Stepping Hill Hospital alongside community NHS services at a number of other hospitals, community clinics and health centres across Stockport, has been awarded the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. 

As with other NHS Trusts, a high proportion of its workforce is women aged 45-55, many of whom are experiencing menopause in the workplace.  As a result, being menopause friendly is of great importance to its workforce.

“A key aspect of our approach was to introduce a menopause clinic,” says Sara Wilson, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Head of Staff Wellbeing and Occupational Health. “This took a good deal of time, organisation and effort but we fervently believe it is worth it. It is having a really beneficial impact on workforce retention levels, productivity, absenteeism and, very importantly, patient care.”

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, recognises high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.

The accreditation is industry-recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met. As such, it is truly meaningful and considered by many as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace.

In order to achieve The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust had to demonstrate evidence to an Independent Panel of its effectiveness in five key areas, namely: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.

Ensuring that menopause is a safe and inclusive subject to talk about was a priority for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust with these three elements having most impact:

• Being one of very few NHS trusts to establish a specialist menopause clinic for its staff members
• Establishing a Staff Facebook group and café for menopause discussion to encourage openness on the subject
• Having the backing of the Trust board for the subject and introducing other measures such as optional lighter uniforms

Gaining Menopause Friendly Accreditation was an important way for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust to achieve national recognition of the measures which it has taken.  The Trust wanted to show its commitment to current colleagues whilst highlighting to prospective employees that it is a caring, supportive place to work.

“Having the backing of the Board in your organisation is an important way of seeing the measures through,” advises Sara. “Those who lead and make the decisions really do need to ‘buy in’ and be an active part of the process.  This allows you to create the culture and ethos for which you are looking.”

"I am so pleased that we have been accredited as a Menopause Friendly employer, it’s a great tribute to the efforts of everyone who has worked so hard to ensure this support is in place,” says Jackie McShane, Executive Director of Operations, and executive sponsor for menopause for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. “As well as being the right thing to do by our colleagues experiencing menopause, it is also helping us to be a more productive and capable care provider for our local community.”