- NHS Scotland launches national Menopause and Menstrual Health
Workplace Policy
Measures to support women experiencing difficult menopause or
menstrual health symptoms in the workplace are being introduced
by NHS Scotland across their workforce.
As one of the medium term actions in the Women’s Health Plan, the
policy reflects recommendations from a study of NHS employees by
Professor Kathleen Riach, supported by the Scottish Government.
The new policy aims to create an environment where women feel
confident in raising health issues so solutions can be put in
place.
Minister for Women’s Health said:
“It’s important to foster a culture of awareness and
compassionate management in the workplace so women feel confident
and comfortable in raising issues around their menopause or
menstrual health.
“NHS Scotland’s policy will recommend a number of measures that
will make work life easier such as flexible breaks and working
arrangements.
“This is a positive example of an employer taking proactive steps
to reduce barriers to women’s health in the workplace and we hope
it promotes equivalent efforts across the public, private and
third sectors.”
Professor Kathleen Riach said:
“NHS Scotland’s new Menopause and Menstrual Health Workplace
Policy marks a vital step in ensuring all employees are valued,
supported, and recognised as an integral part of the country's
workforce, no matter their age or stage of their reproductive
lives.
“Healthier women mean a healthier economy. By identifying and
scaling some of the best practice currently existing across the
NHS Scotland workforce, as well as introducing new evidence-based
practises, this policy will ensure the menstrual status of
women is no barrier to jobs and careers in healthcare.”
Background
Women's health plan -
gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
NHS Scotland National Menopause
and Menstrual Health Workplace Policy
Advancing Menopause and
Menstrual Health in Organisations: A National Study of NHS
Employees - the independent report, by Professor Kathleen
Riach, University of Glasgow.
