"The women I work with are continually inspiring me"

Tell us about yourself and your career aspirations growing up

As a child I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do but always enjoyed the idea of working with people – which led me to my nursing career.

My earlier years working in A&E were very exciting and you can imagine I had lots of experiences of the unexpected ! A&E is a great place to gain experience and it led me into working across urgent and emergency care, minor injury units and helping to support nurses developing their skills in all these areas.

What was your career route to the role you have today? 

A few years ago I found myself struggling with symptoms of the menopause and explored what support was available. At that time there wasn’t much awareness in the workplace, and when I discussed it with colleagues, it was clear that many of us were experiencing similar struggles.

It was around that time that I decided to set up regular meetings to get support. This grew into a national Menopause Network and I completed specific training in the area so that I could offer more support. I also liaised with national clinical leaders, professional bodies and Unions to progress the first NHS England Menopause Policy in 2022.

I have continued to develop my own knowledge, to press for change and support women to thrive at work. I enjoy the unique elements of my role; it is unique to have a strategic as well as a clinical focus and I get to raise the voices of the women I engage with.

What women have inspired you in your life and your aspirations?

I have to say that the women I work with are continually inspiring me. This is because they are so open and honest – they tell me about their symptoms of the menopause at work, how they experience our NHS and what they want from me (and the ICB) to make things better.

They make sure I reflect their voices into our programme planning and hold me to account which is great. 

How does the theme 'Accelerate Action' inspire you?

This theme underlines all the work we have been doing to date, such as publishing a Menopause Policy that we are offering system wide to drive equity. Offering a policy for employers to implement, to take bits from, or to base their own local policy ensures we all gain and we achieve those advances sooner.

These actions are critical to making progress faster. We also know that we need to work collaboratively and constantly respond to feedback from women across the region.

Do you feel supported in your role?

I have an amazing opportunity to continue in my role driving forward change and improvement for all women experiencing menopause. This helps women to thrive at work – and to remain economically active and confident. It also helps us to raise awareness to all women.

Having this commitment and visibility for menopause (and women’s health), from the ICB is incredible and a real opportunity for change.

What changes would you like to see to make our organisation more inclusive?

It would be great to see more women of colour and more diversity speaking out about their experiences of health and specifically when they have accessed support or resources for menopause. Going forward we are keen to highlight this and to ensure our engagement and resources are accessible and representative.

How will you be supporting International Women's Day?

For International Women’s Day I am attending an event as a speaker for our police force across the North East. This is inspiring and a really progressive step to acknowledge the valuable contribution of women across the sector.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’d encourage all women to comment, engage and share the resources we have developed and continue to develop around menopause, check out the BOOST platform and let me know if we can do more!