NHS staff struggling with menopause choosing to leave

The NHS faces an “exodus” of female doctors who are struggling to work due to a lack of menopause support, a report has warned.

The Medical Protection Society, which helps doctors in legal and ethical disputes, said that many quit or reduce their hours over fears that their menopause symptoms, such as brain fog, insomnia and hot flushes, will cause them to accidentally harm patients. A survey found that 36 per cent of female doctors have considered reducing their hours because of menopause symptoms, while one in five have considered early retirement.

“With females making up most of the healthcare workforce, it is crucial that they can access the support they need to avoid an exodus from the profession,” the report said.

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Source: The Times, 26 October 2022