Menopause in focus

TEAMS from across three Specsavers practices in the Midlands have attended an expert presentation on the menopause – learning more about how to support patients and colleagues.

Dr Sarah Ball, a GP and a menopause specialist, was invited to share her expertise by speaking to Specsavers colleagues from Sutton Coldfield, Mere Green and Aldridge during a recent event.

‘It was brilliant to hear Dr Ball’s insights and the teams have taken away very useful information that will benefit our patients as well as them,’ says Tim Goodhew, the retail director at the three practices.

‘As health care professionals, we have more knowledge to advise our patients who may have symptoms related to the menopause. From a personal point of view the team attending learned how symptoms that they may encounter may be related to menopausal changes.

‘The additional information allows the team to signpost our patients, or themselves, to the best person who can assist them.’

With Specsavers committed to wellbeing of its teams, Dr Ball also talked about how changes to diet, exercise plan and alcohol consumption can help with menopause-related symptoms.

‘I was thrilled that some team members without any symptoms came on behalf of their mums and other family members,’ adds Mr Goodhew. ‘As a great place to work, we know that, supporting the team with their overall health and wellbeing also helps reduce absence, improve productivity and demonstrates how we care.’

Dr Ball says that she was pleased to be invited to speak to Specsavers colleague, saying: ‘I am keen to empower those in our community to recognise the menopause and perimenopause in themselves and in their patients. Increasing awareness to organisations about supporting colleagues is also important.’

During the Specsavers event, she used an example case to talk about the importance of supporting patients.

‘Kate is in her 40s and visits her opticians regularly throughout the next decade. Each time she presents with a variety of symptoms, some of which may alert an optician or any staff working within the clinical team such as dry eyes and tinnitus to raise the subject of menopause.

‘Kate was also visiting her GP but as menopause training has not been mandatory for doctors and therefore many women fall through gaps. So, the more people who have the correct information, the better.’