2026

Routine pre-operative CT imaging in Grade 2 endometrial cancer: A two-year retrospective review of clinical impact (2026)

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Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Alayande G.

Citation:

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Conference: BGCS 2026 Book of Abstracts. Bristol United Kingdom. 133(Supplement 2) (pp S14), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2026.

Abstract:

Background: The British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) guidance does not recommend routine pre-operative CT imaging in low-grade endometrial cancer due to its low diagnostic yield and limited impact on outcomes. At Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, however, all patients with confirmed Grade 2 (or higher) endometrial cancer undergo preoperative CT-TAP in line with local guidance.
Objective(s): To assess adherence to local guidance and determine whether pre-operative CT influences gynaecological management. A secondary aim was to evaluate the frequency and consequences of incidental findings.
Method(s): We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with Grade 2 endometrial cancer between April 2023 and May 2025 using the Somerset Cancer Register. Patients diagnosed postoperatively were excluded. Electronic records were examined to assess whether CT findings altered management, defined as referral to a tertiary centre.
Result(s): Of 52 identified patients, 46 met inclusion criteria. All underwent pre-operative CT imaging. Findings suggestive of metastatic disease were reported in 13% (6/46), prompting tertiary referral in four surgically fit patients; one was later found to have stage IA disease, representing potential overtreatment. Incidental findings occurred in 45% (21/46), with 38% (8/21) requiring further investigation. Most were clinically insignificant, though one led to a new breast cancer diagnosis.
Conclusion(s): In this cohort, routine pre-operative CT imaging in Grade 2 endometrial cancer influenced management in a clinically meaningful way. Nevertheless, potential overtreatment and the implications of incidental findings should inform imaging decisions.

DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.70281

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Risk mitigated day case total thyroidectomy for thyrotoxicosis: analysis of factors allowing same day discharge (2026)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

*Crossdale M.; *Walkden G.; *Hari C.

Citation:

Ambulatory Surgery. Conference: British Association of Day Surgery Annual Conference. London United Kingdom. 32(3) (pp 185), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Jul 2026.

Abstract:

Introduction The day case potential of total thyroidectomy has been limited by three primary risks: post-operative haemorrhage, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury with subsequent airway embarrassment and symptomatic hypocalcaemia. In response to rising elective backlogs, transitioning to a day-case model offers significant resource optimisation and improved patient satisfaction. We present the initial outcomes of a pilot day-case total thyroidectomy pathway within an NHS Trust. Methods Five consecutive patients underwent total thyroidectomy under a standardised day case protocol. The pathway prioritised: * Patient selection and education: strict surgical, anaesthetic and social criteria, informed consent and education around day case management. * Pre-operative optimisation: prophylactic loading with oral calcium and alfacalcidol. * Surgical strategy: meticulous surgical strategy (advanced bipolar techniques, haemostatic adjuncts, and Valsalva manoeuvres) to avoid drain insertion. * Biochemical monitoring: immediate post-operative PTH and serum calcium measurement. * Intended same day discharge: minimum postoperative stay 6 hours and until 20:00. * Post-operative safety net: discharge on a calcium/ alfacalcidol regimen with day one telephone follow-up and mandatory 48-hour biochemical review. Results The pilot achieved a 100% same-day discharge rate (n = 5). No post-operative haemorrhages or hematomas occurred. One patient was readmitted following the 48-hour review for mild hypocalcaemic symptoms, requiring one night of oral optimisation. The remaining four patients remained asymptomatic with stable biochemistry. Conclusion Preliminary results suggest day-case total thyroidectomy is feasible for selected patients when supported by a pathway that mitigates post-operative anaesthetic and surgical risks. While hypocalcaemia remains a concern, prophylactic supplementation and structured follow-up facilitate safe management in an ambulatory setting.

Resolving inflammatory bowel disease risk variants to genes and cell types (2026)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Fachal L.; Zhang R.; Gettler K.; Haritunians T.; Cleynen I.; Stevens C.R.; Zhang Q.; Tastad C.; Medici C.; Do R.; Abreu M.T.; Achkar J.-P.; Ahmad T.; Kok K.B.; Bernstein C.; Brooks J.; Bujanda L.; *Butterworth J.; Clark K.; Cummings F.; D'Amato M.; Buono J.D.; Duerr R.H.; Ellinghaus D.; Foley S.; Franchimont D.; Franke A.; Hancock L.; Hart A.; Hooper P.; Irving P.; Jarvis M.; Johnston E.; Julia A.; Kemp C.; Kennedy N.; Kupcinskas J.; Latiano A.; Lewis J.; Li A.; Limdi J.; Louis E.; McLaughlin J.; Moayyedi P.; Moran G.; Mowat C.; Newman B.; Oglesby A.; Pekow J.; Perez K.J.; Pollok R.; Prescott N.; Radford-Smith G.; Raffals L.; Raine T.; Ramadas A.; Ramakrishnan S.; Reinisch W.; Newberry R.D.; Rogler G.; Sands B.E.; Satsangi J.; Scharl M.; Schreiber S.; Selinger C.; Shedwell S.; Silverberg M.S.; Singh S.; Steed H.; Steel A.; Uhlig H.; Verma A.; Vermeire S.; Weersma R.K.; Xavier R.; Halfvarson J.; Daly M.J.; Lamb C.; Parkes M.; Huang H.; Lee J.; McGovern D.P.B.; Rioux J.D.; Anderson C.A.; Cho J.H.

Citation:

medRxiv. (no pagination), 2026. Date of Publication: 13 May 2026.

Abstract:

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), principally Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are common chronic disorders involving inflammation and often progressive tissue damage. Genome-wide association studies have mapped many risk signals, but the causal variants, effector genes and relevant cellular contexts remain difficult to resolve, limiting mechanistic interpretation and therapeutic translation. Here we performed a multi-ancestry GWAS meta-analysis of 125,992 individuals with IBD and more than 1.2 million controls, identifying 619 independent association signals (374 novel) at 420 IBD regions that account for 77-80% of SNP-based heritability. Fine-mapping resolved 81 high-confidence variants, 41 not previously reported. Although most signals were shared between CD and UC, 39% showed subtype specificity, with UC signals showing stronger enrichment in functional annotations from intestinal epithelial, secretory and enteroendocrine cells, and CD showing stronger genetic correlations with circulating inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and glycoprotein acetylation. Latent causal modelling supported a causal effect of decreased high-density lipoprotein on CD risk. By integrating bulk and single-cell eQTL and pQTL resources using colocalisation and Mendelian randomisation, together with coding-variant evidence from exome sequencing, we prioritised 664 candidate effector genes across 341 signals, including 390 newly implicated IBD genes, revealing new biological mechanisms and candidate therapeutic targets supported by human genetics.

DOI: 10.64898/2026.05.13.26352926

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Melphalan dosing in autologous stem cell transplant. Should we still dose adjust for older patients? (2026)

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Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

Lloyd R.; McIlroy G.; Odusanmi S.; Litt E.; Swart-Rimmer I.; Shafeek S.; Jouni H.; Ahmad H.; Smith L.; Wandroo F.; Ferguson P.

Citation:

British Journal of Haematology. Conference: 66th Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society for Haematology. Liverpool United Kingdom. 208(Supplement 1) (pp S48), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Apr 2026.

Abstract:

Background: High dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has formed the basis of consolidation therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma for around 2 decades. In the UK, patients deemed fit for transplant are prescribed either 200 mg/m2 (HImel) or 140 mg/m2 (INTmel) of melphalan based on renal function or age. As populations remain fit into older age, more patients >=65 have been treated with 200 mg/m2 melphalan. There is a lack of evidence base in this population. Analysis aims to determine if there is any difference in efficacy and toxicity in treating patients >=65 with high dose melphalan in a ASCT.
Method(s): Patients with multiple myeloma treated with single agent melphalan ASCT between 2013 and 2023 were included in data collection. Patients undergoing second or tandem autologous transplants were excluded. Dosage of melphalan was decided by the clinician at the time of review. Primary endpoints were PFS and OS, secondary endpoints were toxicity and length of hospital stay.
Result(s): 679 patients were eligible with an average age of 61.14 years. A total of 446 patients received HImel with 85 of these >=65. 232 patients received INTmel with 189 of these >=65. 20 patients were admitted to ITU (2.9%), 4 patients were >=65 with 2 receiving HImel and 2 receiving INTmel. 6 patients (0.88%) died from transplant related complications. 3 of these patients were <65 and received HImel. 3 patients were >=65 and 1 received HImel. There was a significant difference in the length of admission for the <65 HImel group compared to the >=65 HImel group (18.1 vs 21.2days, p value=000286). This difference was not replicated in the INTmel group 21.3 vs 21days. (p-value 0.404328). Overall, there was a statistically significant shorter length of stay for the <65 cohort compared with the >=65 cohort (p value 0.00057). There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between the groups (<64 HImel 88 months, <65 INTmel 74.3 months, >=65 HImel 74.71 months, >=65 INTmel 73.7 months). There was no significant difference in PFS between the groups (<65 HImel 53.8 months, <65 INTmel 50.4, >=65 HImel 57.46, >=65 42.09 months).
Conclusion(s): The study demonstrates that there is no OS or PFS advantage with treating older patients with high dose melphalan. There were longer hospital stays associated with increasing age. Patients who present older, but still fit for transplant have little evidence on the best way to proceed with treatment.

DOI: 10.1111/bjh.70471

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Holistic management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis across all ages: British Society for Rheumatology Guideline scope (2026)

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Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

Beesley R.P.; Bray L.; Bridges A.; Chaplin H.; Cleary G.; Cooray S.; Aragon Cuevas O.; Cuthbert V.; Deepak S.; Earle E.; Ferreira A.; Kearsley-Fleet L.; Gupta J.; Houston R.; Hum R.M.; Humphreys J.H.; *Jayasekera H.S.; Jones S.; MacFadyen C.; Nisbet J.; Arunath V.; Prior Y.; Rogers V.; Shoop-Worrall S.J.W.; Solebo A.L.; Waller R.; Williamson L.D.; Wilson D.; Wright C.; Sen E.S.; Roddy E.; Mewar D.; Kaul A.; Ciurtin C.; Compeyrot-Lacassagne S.; Kuttikat A.; Williams E.; Abhishek A.; Joyce C.; Merrison K.; Dhillon E.; Jones C.; Rose-Parfitt E.; *Jayasekera H.; Saha P.

Citation:

Rheumatology Advances in Practice. 10(2) (no pagination), 2026. Article Number: rkag052. Date of Publication: 2026.

Abstract:

Lay Summary: What does this mean for patients? Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis that starts before the age of 16 years. Many children and young people (CYP) continue to be affected by JIA and may need to be on treatment when they are adults. Most CYP with JIA have swollen, stiff and painful joints for at least 6 weeks. JIA can also affect other parts of the body. This includes the skin, the places where tendons join bones (called entheses) and sometimes internal organs. Some young people may also develop inflammation in their eyes, called uveitis. If this is not treated, it can affect eyesight and could lead to sight loss. People with JIA often need medicines to control inflammation. They are usually cared for by a team of healthcare professionals called a multidisciplinary team. This team may include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, psychologists and youth workers. They work together to help manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage. The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) is the main organisation in the UK for healthcare professionals who care for people with JIA. BSR writes guidelines that help healthcare teams provide high-quality care. These guidelines are written with input from experts and people with lived experience. They help make sure that everyone receives good care wherever they live, including during the move from child to adult services. This article explains how BSR will develop a new guideline to diagnose, treat and monitor children, young people and adults with JIA. The guideline will follow the BSR protocol for creating clinical guidelines.

DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkag052

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Factors associated with time to stoma reversal after anterior resection across England: an observational study using administrative data (2026)

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Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Olagunju N.; *Cheetham M.; Savage K.; Briggs T.W.R.; Gray W.K.

Citation:

Surgical Endoscopy. Conference: 33rd Annual Congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery. Belgrade Serbia. 40(1 Supplement) (pp S210), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Apr 2026.

Abstract:

Aims: A diverting stoma (DS) has been shown to reduce the impact of anastomotic leak following anterior resection for rectal cancer. While these are designed to be temporary, patients may wait over 18 months for reversal. This impacts quality of life, long-term bowel function, health care costs, and resource utilization. The National Bowel Cancer Audit (NBOCA) highlights stoma reversal within 18 months of anterior resection as a performance indicator. Our study aims to compare stoma closure rates across various service providers in England, trends over time and determine the factors associated with unreversed stoma beyond 18 months following anterior resection.
Method(s): This was an exploratory analysis of administrative data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database for England of patients who had anterior resection procedures with stoma creation during the same admission for rectal cancer. The study covered the period from 1st April 2016 to 30th September 2024. A subset of data up to 31st March 2023 for the index procedure were used for some analyses allowing all patients to have 18 months of follow-up. The primary outcome was stoma closure within 18 months of stoma creation. The secondary outcomes were 30-day emergency readmission, post-operative complications, and death after surgery.
Result(s): 5275 patients had anterior resections with DS and 3338 (63.5%) had stoma reversal within 18 months. Patients who had stoma reversal [ 18 months had higher rates of anastomotic leak during their index stay, 30-day readmission, and death within 1 year of discharge. Socio-economic deprivation (odds ratio (OR) for highest vs lowest quintile 1.67 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34 to 2.09), p \ 0.001), and frailty (OR for severe vs no frailty 3.03 (95% CI 1.08 to 8.53), p = 0.035) were associated with stoma reversal [ 18 months. Stoma closure within 18 months fell from 70.5% in 2016/17 to 62.0% in 2022/23.
Conclusion(s): More patients are waiting longer to have their stoma reversed. Frailty and socioeconomic deprivation were associated with stoma closure after 18 months. There was no association between age, sex, ethnicity or hospital volumes, and time to stoma reversal.

DOI: 10.1007/s00464-026-12641-8

Disparities in fall mortality among hypertensive older adults: An epidemiological analysis of geographic and gender differences (2026)

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Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

Sarfraz M.R.; Mushtaq I.; *Ali A.; Anwar S.; Ikram F.; Hemida M.F.; Ajaz S.

Citation:

Age and Ageing. Conference: British Geriatrics Society Autumn Meeting 2025. Nottingham United Kingdom. 55(Supplement 1) (pp i32-i33), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Feb 2026.

Abstract:

Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of death in older adults, with hypertension (HTN) potentially increasing this risk. However, trends in fall-related mortality with co-existing HTN remain understudied. We hypothesise an increasing trend in fall-related mortality among older adults with HTN, with disparities by sex, region, and place of death.
Method(s): A retrospective analysis of adults >=65 years was conducted using CDC WONDER (1999-2023). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 were stratified by sex, region, and place of death. Trends were assessed using annual and average percentage change (APC & AAPC).
Result(s): From 1999 to 2023, 215,214 fall-related deaths with co-existing hypertension were recorded, showing a significant increasing mortality trend (p<0.000001).Males had higher mortality than females (20.39 vs. 17.13 per 100,000), with significant AAPCs of 11.24% and 10.57%, respectively. In males, AAMRs rose from 2.93 in 1999 to 42.59 in 2023, with sharp increases from 1999-2001 (APC: 45.19%) and 2018-2021 (APC: 13.56%). Females showed a similar trend, rising from 2.87 to 35.57, with notable spikes in the same periods (APC: 42.44% and 13.43%).Most deaths occurred in medical facilities (52.84%), followed by nursing homes (19.09%), hospices (12.99%), and homes (10.86%). Regionally, the Midwest had the highest AAMR (22.88), followed by the West (18.58), South (18.15), and Northeast (14.11), with corresponding AAPCs of 10.81%, 8.68%, 11.45%, and 10.86%.
Conclusion(s): Mortality rates among older adults has risen significantly over the past two decades, with consistently higher rates in males and marked regional disparities. The predominance of deaths in medical and long-term care facilities underscores the need for enhanced fall-prevention strategies in these settings. Targeted interventions, particularly in high-burden regions like the Midwest and sex-specific approaches are essential to mitigate this growing public health concern.

DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaf368.115

Current management of patients with early breast cancer and an abnormal diagnostic axillary ultrasound: The AVOID prospective multicentre cohort study (2026)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Potter S.; Blyuss O.; Cox K.; Davis E.; Dodwell D.; Evans A.; James J.; Lowes S.; McIntosh S.A.; Shaaban A.; Wallis M.G.; Sharma N.; Altaf S.W.N.; Armstrong L.; *Asprou F.; Babu G.; Baig M.; Bell N.; Bhide I.; Blackwell L.; Boyd C.; Brown A.; Coggles L.; Dadnam F.; Dalgliesh D.; Edwards D.; Elmosselhy A.; Elzuber W.; Gray K.; Griffiths A.; Gunarathne D.; Harmouche C.; Iqbal S.; Karatasiou A.; Khadtare K.; Khushbakht S.; Larney T.; Lee Q.Y.; Liew S.; Marriott C.; McMahon M.; Menezes R.; Millington S.; Oeppen R.; Pervez A.; Poolovadoo Y.; Rabone A.; Rainford S.; Reilly M.; Rigby D.-M.; Roychaudhury R.; Saha P.; Savaridas S.; Shannon J.; Sharma S.; Siddiqui S.; Singh S.; Taper J.; Vidyaprakash N.; Walajahi F.; Wilding L.; Wilkinson L.; Wong M.K.; Young P.

Citation:

SSRN. (no pagination), 2026. Date of Publication: 25 Mar 2026.

Abstract:

Purpose To explore the current management of patients with early breast cancer and an abnormal pretreatment axillary ultrasound scan (USS).Methods Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed early breast cancer and an abnormal axillary USS undergoing pretreatment axillary biopsy were included. Simple demographic data and information regarding the number and cortical thickness of abnormal nodes, biopsy performed and results together with primary management and postoperative pathology were collected prospectively. Results were summarised with descriptive statistics and USS findings and pathological data compared. Results Between February 2024 and September 2025, 1,100 patients from 47 UK breast units were included. The median age was 58 (interquartile range (IQR) 48-69); most presented via the symptomatic pathway (n=828, 75.3%). Almost half (n=526, 48.1%) had one abnormal node on USS. Nodes with a median cortical thickness of 4.8mm (IQR 3.6-7.2mm) were sampled, most frequently with core biopsy (n=980, 89.1%). 1,062 (96.5%) participants had a diagnostic biopsy, two-thirds of which were malignant (n=761, 66.2%). No cortical thickness threshold for malignancy was identified. Most patients with a negative axillary biopsy underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy but the management of patients with biopsy-proven node-positive disease was highly variable. There was poor correlation between the burden of axillary disease on USS and surgical pathology, but an USS finding of 1-2 abnormal nodes was the best criterion for identifying patients with pathological pN1 disease. Conclusions Management of patients with biopsy-proven node-positive breast cancer in the UK is highly variable. Evidence-based multidisciplinary guidelines will be essential to standardise and improve patient care.

DOI: 10.64898/2026.03.06.26347693

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Clinical and genetic predictors of dementia in Parkinson's disease (2026)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Solomons M.R.; Hannaway N.; Fox O.; Costantini A.; Real R.; Zarkali A.; Morris H.R.; Weil R.S.; Alty J.; Amar K.; Anthony A.; Arianayagam S.; Bennet C.; Buccoliero R.; Cosgrove J.; Croucher Y.; Dean S.; Dellafera D.; Dharia S.; Evans J.; *Gibson H.; Gregory R.; Guy J.; Henderson E.; Hodgson M.; Jones E.; Juada J.; King E.; Lewis A.; Mann C.; McDermott C.; Moffitt V.; Molloy S.; Niccolini F.; Pitman C.; Rhule N.; Saifee T.A.; Schrag A.; Sophia R.; *Stickley J.; Sullivan L.; Thompson A.; Wickremaratchi M.

Citation:

medRxiv. (no pagination), 2026. Date of Publication: 06 Mar 2026.

Abstract:

Importance: Dementia is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), causing greater disability than other symptoms, but varies in timing. Although visual deficits are linked with PD dementia, how these interact with genetic factors to predict PD dementia has not been characterised.
Objective(s): To investigate whether visual deficits and genetic factors predict PD dementia.
Design(s): Large prospective longitudinal case-control study, mean follow-up 32.7 (SD=12.3) months.
Setting(s): Cases were recruited between 2017-2020 at 35 UK PD clinics.
Participant(s): People with PD without dementia at baseline were included.
Main Outcomes and Measures: Visual function was measured using a web-based platform. The main outcome measure was global cognition, measured as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Blood samples were collected for genetics.
Result(s): 450 patients with PD were included. Mean age of PD patients was 71.7 (SD=7.8), 68% male. Mean baseline MoCA was 27.7 (SD=1.7). 263 patients with PD were classed as poor-vision based on baseline visual tests: mean age 74.4 (SD=6.8) compared to 69.7 (SD=7.5) with good-vision. Poor-vision PD patients had higher rates of progression to mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) (HR=2.34, CI=1.58-3.48, pFDR=0.00062, age- and sex-corrected). The combination of genetic factors together with vision influenced outcomes. In good-vision PD patients, high-risk GBA1 gene variants were linked with greater progression to PD-MCI (HR=4.61, CI=1.73-12.28, pFDR=0.0068). Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) for both PD and Alzheimer's disease (AD) also modified cognitive survival when combined with vision status. High PD-PRS was associated with greater progression to PD-MCI in good-vision patients (HR=2.66, CI=1.21-5.81, pFDR=0.0381); and high AD-PRS with greater progression to PD-MCI in poor-vision PD patients (HR=1.91, CI=1.10-3.32, pFDR=0.04999). Combining high PD- and AD-PRS, compared to low PD- and AD-PRS in good-vision PD showed even higher progression to PD-MCI (HR=6.14, CI=1.36-27.83, pFDR=0.046). Simulations showed that adding visual and genetic stratification reduced sample size from n=705 to n=160 for clinical trials. Conclusions and relevance: Poor vision in PD predicts progression to PD-MCI and dementia. This combines with the effects of genetic factors including GBA risk variants and PD- and AD-PRS. These findings can enable enrichment of clinical trials for patients at higher risk of PD dementia, for more efficient trial design for interventions to slow progression.

DOI: 10.64898/2026.03.06.26347693

Addressing the barriers: an innovative NHS staff menopause support model (2026)

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Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Ritchie J.

Citation:

Post Reproductive Health. Conference: BMS 35th Annual Scientific Conference. Kenilworth United Kingdom. 32(3) (pp 185), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Sep 2026.

Abstract:

Objective: Menopause is an increasingly recognised workforce wellbeing issue, yet access to timely menopause care remains limited. Within our trust, staff reported difficulty accessing support and long waits for specialist services. The Menopause Team therefore aimed to improve staff wellbeing, confidence, and understanding of menopause by providing an accessible, evidence-based education programme and to enable quicker access to care with a staff menopause clinic.
Method(s): The Menopause Team delivered a structured menopause education programme led by clinicians and specialists in menopause, women's health, psychology, and lifestyle medicine. The programme included monthly sessions, delivered both online and face-to-face, covering topics such as menopause, bone health, acupuncture, yoga, pelvic physiotherapy, and mental health. A Menopause Policy was introduced to support staff wellbeing through flexible workplace adjustments. Systems were implemented to identify menopause-related sickness absence to inform service development. A staff wellbeing survey showed the programme was highly valued but highlighted the need for more personalised support. The team subsequently secured 48,000 from the NHS Charities Workplace Wellbeing Fund to deliver a 12-month staff menopause clinic, offering initial group consultations with optional one-to-one follow-up with a menopause consultant, local GP, and menopause nurse, supported by dedicated administrative staff.
Result(s): 667 members of staff have attended education sessions, staff feedback from the education programme demonstrated improved knowledge, confidence, and self-management, with sessions consistently described as clear, practical, and accessible. Since launching in October 2025, 90 staff have self-referred to the menopause clinic, with 57 attending group consultations and a 70% conversion rate to individual follow-up. Participants reported that the combined group and one-to-one model created a safe and supportive environment, reduced isolation through shared experience, and increased confidence in managing menopause and its impact at work. Access to personalised clinical support was particularly valued.
Conclusion(s): Overall feedback demonstrated strong acceptability and perceived value, with clear support for continuation and expansion of the programme. A structured workplace menopause programme combining education, policy support, and innovative group consultation clinics can improve staff confidence, wellbeing, and access to care. This scalable model offers a practical approach for NHS organisations seeking to support and retain an experienced workforce.

DOI: 10.1080/20533691.2026.2715923