University Hospitals Birmingham transforms workplace support for women
Randeep Kaur Kular highlights Dr Pratima Gupta and Wendy Madden’s transformative contributions to women’s health at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and their pioneering work in establishing the Menopause and Women’s Staff Clinic. The clinic provides tailored support for female staff navigating menopause and other women’s health challenges.
In September 2024, Dr Pratima Gupta, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at UHB and medical director at Solihull Hospital, alongside Wendy Madden, senior nurse practitioner and specialist lead nurse for the menopause at UHB were honoured at the Asian Professionals National Alliance (APNA) NHS Awards for their work on the Menopause and Women's Staff Clinic. The award ceremony, which brought together leaders, innovators, and healthcare professionals from across the UK, celebrated individuals and teams making significant contributions to the NHS.
The clinic earned Dr Gupta and Wendy the APNA Hero Award for their impactful work in improving healthcare support for female staff navigating menopause and other women’s health challenges, addressing a significant gap in workplace healthcare for female staff.
About the Menopause and Women’s Staff Clinic
The Menopause and Women’s Staff Clinic at UHB, is led by Dr Pratima Gupta and Wendy Madden. The clinic provides specialised care for female staff dealing with menopause, fertility, menstrual health, and related concerns. It creates a safe, inclusive space that prioritises physical and mental wellbeing.
Approximately 77 per cent of the NHS workforce identify as female, and at UHB this number equates to 18,000 staff, this initiative was therefore both timely and necessary. Established with the support of the UHB executive team, particularly chief nurse, Margaret Garbett and chief people officer, Cathi Shovlin, this clinic recognises the importance of a dedicated service that not only addresses women’s physical health but also their emotional and psychological wellbeing. This initiative aims to reduce staff sickness and disparities in healthcare access faced by women.
Impact on women's health and workplace wellbeing
One of the clinic’s key successes has been its focus on education and empowerment. By providing expert advice on managing menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances, Dr Gupta and Wendy have helped many women continue to thrive at work. The clinic also serves as a hub for raising awareness about menopause in the workplace, ensuring that both staff and leadership at UHB understand how to support colleagues undergoing these transitions.
Built on the impactful groundwork laid by Wendy’s Menopause Passport, a pioneering initiative in the NHS now adopted by over 120 organisations and Dr Gupta’s extensive research into menopause, the clinic has set new standards in workplace health. The clinic was established to offer healthcare access and mental wellbeing for female staff.
Their collective efforts have been instrumental in reducing stigma around menopause and encouraging open conversations. This has not only improved the wellbeing of women seeking treatment but has also contributed to a healthier, more supportive work environment.
Challenges in setting up the clinic
Establishing this service was relatively straightforward, with very few challenges. There were two primary reasons for this. Firstly, the support from the UHB Executive team and sponsorship from the chief nurse and chief people officer were invaluable in enabling a smooth transition from conception to delivery. Secondly, from the outset, it was clear that there would be high demand for this service. It was therefore key to include a way to triage and understand how to use the existing expertise and resources within the organisation. Along with the expertise of Dr Gupta and Wendy Madden, the experienced gynaecology team: Lisa Cotton, Linda Lynch and Claire Emmerson, have helped to deliver this service.
Looking ahead
As champions of women’s health, Dr Gupta and Wendy plan to continue to build on the clinic’s services. They hope their work inspires other hospitals and organisations to develop similar programmes, fostering a more inclusive, supportive healthcare environment for women across the country.
The 2024 APNA NHS Awards recognises Dr Gupta and Wendy’s visionary work - a foundation for future programmes dedicated to women’s health across the NHS. It is a testament to the transformative power of their work in advancing healthcare for women, particularly in a professional setting. Their clinic is not only a medical service but also a model of workplace support, empowering women to thrive at all stages of their lives.
More information
For more information on this initiative, including access to UHB’s Menopause Passport, please contact Wendy.Madden@uhb.nhs.uk.
Access practical guidance for employers on supporting staff through menopause and creating a more inclusive workplace environment.
