Posted 27 March 2023 - 05:00
Posted 27 March 2023 - 05:00
News
Menopause: ‘trust’s new uniform policy nearly forced me to quit’
Nurse relieved to be granted exemption from tunic-only dress code as she struggled with hot flushes urges other staff to speak up
Nurse relieved to be granted exemption from tunic-only dress code as she struggled with hot flushes urges other staff to speak up
A nurse going through the menopause says she considered leaving her job after her trust’s new uniform policy meant a mandatory switch from lightweight scrubs to thicker ‘uncomfortable’ tunics.
The nurse, who did not want to be named, told Nursing Standard that management at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) in Northern Ireland told all nursing staff at the start of March they must return to wearing tunics as their uniform.
Menopause symptoms made wearing tunic-style uniform difficult
But the nurse, who is experiencing severe hot flushes during the menopause, said working long shifts in thick tunics is extremely uncomfortable. The announcement caused her so much stress she even considered quitting.
‘When I said the tunics are too hot for someone in menopause, my manager suggested I wear one two sizes too big,’ she said. ‘We are still wearing masks, the heating is on for the patients and I am pouring with sweat, stressed and uncomfortable. When I mentioned this to my manager, I was told “It is what it is”.
‘I just can’t see myself going to work every day having to wear it, I think I would have to leave.’
Trust granted exemptions to its new dress code policy
The SHSCT said the trust dress code policy was updated in July 2022 to make tunics the main uniform, following widespread consultation with all professions and front-line staff, and is now being implemented.
A spokesperson added that staff can ask their head of services for an exemption from wearing a tunic.
But while the nurse raised her own issues with the occupational health team, she said that fellow staff members feel the same but are too afraid or embarrassed to speak up.
She has now been permitted to wear a scrubs top during her shifts, which she said was a ‘huge relief’. She encouraged anyone going through the menopause to speak up if they are struggling with their symptoms.
‘I am so happy they made an allowance, but sadly I have heard of similar situations elsewhere where nurses aren’t so lucky. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for change,’ she said.
Trust now provides lighter-weight uniform option as part of menopause policy
A spokesperson for SHSCT said: ‘The trust has a Menopause at Work policy in place to promote comfort, support and optimal working conditions for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
‘Staff can benefit from a lighter-weight fabric uniform, which is now available to order for standard tunics. Staff who have ordered these are finding them much more comfortable.
‘We encourage staff to speak to their line manager directly to discuss and agree within the policies an appropriate plan to address their concerns and support their well-being in the workplace.’
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