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Menopause

RCSI is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment for all and as such have now introduced a Menopause Policy and associated supports. Menopause is a natural life stage that many of our colleagues will go through. We want to normalise conversations about menopause and perimenopause, have appropriate policy and supports in place and ensure that anyone at RCSI can feel confident to ask for, and access, the support that they need so they can continue to flourish at work.

Our Menopause Policy is designed to build awareness and understanding of the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause and outlines supports available both within and outside of RCSI.  In particular we are delighted to have the support of a team of Menopause Champions from throughout the organisation.

Menopause Champions are specially trained in supporting individuals through menopause and peri-menopause and we encourage you to reach out to a Champion who can offer  support and encouragement as well as signposting resources available to you. Champions are also there to support colleagues of any gender whose loved one may be experiencing menopausal or peri-menopausal symptoms and would be delighted to speak with you. A full list of our champions is available below.

Menopause Policy Launch and General Training

The policy was launched by Mr Barry Holmes, HR Director, who was joined by one of our Menopause champions, Professor Tracy Robson from the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. Dr Una O’Neill from Mercer’s Medical Centre provides an overview of what menopause and perimenopause is, symptoms and treatment options and how we can support those experiencing menopause both in the workplace and in our personal lives.

You can review the recording of the Menopause Policy launch here.

Menopause Support Training for Managers

We encourage anyone who has people management responsibilities from across the organisation to watch the recording of the recent Menopause Support training for Managers.

In RCSI 18% of our female staff are aged between 45-55 – the main years for menopause transition. We are committed to creating a menopause friendly workplace and the role of the line manager is essential in this. Understanding the workplace impacts of menopause and how best you can support colleagues at this stage is something we would  encourage all our people managers to learn more about. This session was facilitated by Catherine O’Keefe Workplace Menopause Consultant.

You can watch this session back here. 

RCSI Menopause Champions

Name Dept Email
Prof Tracy Robson School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences tracyrobson@rcsi.com
Niamh Carroll Dept of Surgical Affairs niamhcarroll@rcsi.com
Louise Keating School of Physiotherapy lkeating@rcsi.com
Paula Curtin Communications pcurtin@rcsi.com
Cara McVeigh Conference and Events caramcveigh@rcsi.com
Nikita Masterson Gym Team nikitamasterson@rcsi.com
Barry Holmes Human Resources barryholmes@rcsi.com
Catriona Campbell Human Resources catrionacampbell@rcsi.ie
Trish Doherty Finance trishdoherty@rcsi.com
Claire Briant Dept of Surgical Affairs clairebriant@rcsi.com
Helena Bonner Physiology & Medical Physics hbonner@rcsi.com
Prof Sally Ann Cryan School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences scryan@rcsi.com
Sheila Corballis Conference and Events sheilacorballis@rcsi.com
Kathryn Smith Library kathrynsmith@rcsi.com
Justin Ralph Information Technology justinralph@rcsi.com
Collette Tully National Office of Clinical Audit collettetully@noca.ie
Charlotte Black Gym Team charlotteblack@rcsi.com

Helpful Resources

Internal

  • We offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that gives employees the support that they need to help them manage their health and wellbeing issues effectively. Our Spectrum.Life EAP provides free professional counselling and self-help services, available to you to support you through this time of change.
    • Download the Spectrum.Life Digital App for resources curated by experts on areas of our wellbeing and lifestyle such as sleep, nutrition, anxiety, exercise videos and more. Supporting a healthy lifestyle can often help you manage the impact of menopause symptoms. Listen to the Spectrum.Life lifestyle podcast episode “EP.5: Menopause – Surviving To Thriving with Catherine O’Keeffe” which gives some useful insights into the Menopause.
  • Mercer’s Medical Centre (https://www.mercersmedicalcentre.com/) has a number of staff who are qualified to provide specialist menopause advice, namely Dr’s Judith Kavanagh, Una O’Neill and Orlaith O’Daly and Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Carol Kelly. Please note all RCSI staff can avail of a discounted fee at the medical centre.
  • There are shower facilities available at all RCSI locations, a full list is available in the Menopause policy. (LINK)
  • The Serenity Room is located on level -1 of the 123 St. Stephens Green Campus and can be accessed if you require a quiet space to relax.
  • RCSI Gym team – Gym team members who are specially trained in women’s health can offer tailored support to those going through perimenopause and menopause

External

  • Your GP is the most useful resource in the first instance
  • Completing the Greene Climacteric Scale can give you some useful data to bring to your GP appointment to discuss your symptoms 
  •  There are a range of specialist clinics offering menopause supports (e.g.  public clinics in the National Maternity Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, the Rotunda, the Coombe and University Hospital Galway or privately through The Menopause Hub, Menopause Health etc.)
  • If you have private Health Insurance there may be specific resources available to support you through your menopause journey.

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