“I can’t be dealing with this brain fog”: menopause in the NHS workplace. A focus group study

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years there has been a much greater recognition by some employers of the need to support female employees experiencing the menopause. Despite an increased desire to improve women’s experiences, the evidence base around how best to do this is currently lacking. The National Health Service (NHS) across the United Kingdom has a workforce with a significant proportion of older female workers, many of whom will experience the menopause while employed. NHS Wales, one of the largest public sector employers in Wales, has wellbeing services in place designed to support their staff experiencing menopause symptoms. Understanding whether such services make a difference to women’s working lives is vital to ensure women are being supported effectively despite challenges presented by their menopause symptoms.