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Abstract Introduction Approximately 50% of the UK NHS workforce are women within the 45-65 age range, many deciding to retire prematurely due to menopausal symptoms. Post-pandemic, the combination of reduced primary care access and reluctance to prescribe HRT exacerbated this issue. A pilot Menopause clinic was set up for Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Trust staff to access specialist menopause advice, assess feasibility, and generate a model for other NHS Trusts. Methods Forty-eight 15-minute appointments were scheduled with 3 Trust menopause specialist clinicians and advertised across the Trust. Staff respondents completed a pre-appointment questionnaire and were then offered an appointment. The clinics provided advice and guidance only, for onward discussion/action within primary care. All participants were invited to complete an anonymous feedback survey. All clinic staff also provided feedback. Results All available appointments were booked within 2 weeks of pilot launch. Attendance rate was 89%. Survey response rates were 73% and 100% respectively by participants and clinic staff. 100% of participants reported that all their questions were answered by the specialist, they received a clear management plan and would use the service again. Participants rated the usefulness of consultation as 8.9 on average (on 0-10 point scale) and clinic staff rated relevance and impact of consultations as 9.8. Discussion The success of this pilot menopause clinic has facilitated the provision of a regular clinic for GSTT staff. Conclusion This pilot was assessed as successful by participants and clinic staff, and provides a template for other Trusts to adopt.
Rymer et al. (Mon,) studied this question.