Findings Released on Research Study on Ambulance Staff Experiences of Menopause

CESSATION, an East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust menopause research study, aimed to identify the current menopause guidance offered by UK ambulance services; understand the impacts of the menopause on female ambulance staff; and identify service interventions that may best support staff during the menopause transition.

The CESSATION report shows UK ambulance services vary in their provision of a Menopause Policy or Guidance. Female staff experience numerous and varied menopause symptoms, and often individuals are not prepared for their symptoms and/or their severity. Various self-care strategies and professional menopause support services are sought by female staff to support their menopause transition experience.

The impacts of menopause symptoms are widereaching, and detrimental effects on working lives and personal wellbeing are noted. Only a minority of menopausal staff report feeling supported in the workplace. Areas of need and personal concern are highlighted: impact of work role; awareness of preparedness for menopause transition; personal impact of symptoms; desired support; appropriate sickness and menopause policy; managerial development; compassion and dignity; impact of working environment; personal and patient safety; and lack of choice.

Managers from one ambulance service reveal limited menopause training completion and menopause policy awareness. They report varying comfort levels for managing menopausal female staff and variable knowledge regarding menopausal female work and health concerns. Their main managerial concerns are staff personal health and wellbeing, sickness management and lack of Trust menopause guidance and resources. It is recommended that menopause transition awareness is raised in all UK ambulance services for all staff; service developments including policy and uniform design, take into consideration CESSATION findings; an expert/stakeholder panel be convened to consider these findings to determine possible solutions for evaluation in future service development and/or menopause research activity.

CESSATION received funding from UEA Health and Social Care Partners and College of Paramedics.

Download the report here.

The impacts of menopause symptoms are widereaching, and detrimental effects on working lives and personal wellbeing are noted. Only a minority of menopausal staff report feeling supported in the workplace.