Menopause group.
The menopause group is chaired by Kathy Abernethy. We have run conferences, fringe events and link in with the BMS.
RCN competencies for menopause nurses have been launched. for further information see RCN publications
Getting involed
As a group we would like to set up an e- network of nurses within menopause. If you would like to be added to a database please email Debra.Holloway@gstt.nhs.uk
Results of the menopause nurses audit
In 2008 the group undertook an audit of menopause nurses, the results were presented at EMAS for a copy of the poster please contact Debra.Holloway@gstt.nhs.uk
The team.
Below are short profiles of the team members. Contact information soon.
Kathy Abernethy
Kathy is a Senior Nurse Specialist and part of a broad multidisciplinary team in a specialist menopause unit within a District General Hospital, Kathy has three principal roles: Clinical, seeing and advising women independently and agreeing management plans/treatment strategies, Research: Coordinates research within the unit and undertakes own research, Education: responsible for Foundation and Advanced level training in menopause for nurses and is Chair of the RCN Menopause Group. she sits on national committees such as NICE representing nurses.
Philomina McFall
Philomina is a RGN- 1987 and Midwife in 1991. Developed an interested in women's health, initially in reproductive medicine and then in menopause and HRT, working in the HRT/Adolescent gynaecology & Turner's syndrome tertiary referral centre at the Royal Hospitals, Belfast, as menopause nurse specialist Runs a helpline for current attenders and health professional enquires. Involved in women's awareness sessions and education for health professionals. A member of the UK RCN National Menopause Nurse steering committee and organized a successful first whole day nurse conference on menopause in Belfast. Contributed to publication of RCN booklet on Complementary Therapies and Menopause.
Amanda Hillard
Mandy is a clinical nurse specialist in menopause for over 15 years. She set up and co-ordinates a menopause clinic within the Gynaecology department in a secondary care setting. She has initiated a nurse led clinic and a self referral service offering appropriate individualised support and advice. Amanda is involved in a multi-disciplinary pre and post Gynae surgery support group and visits the Gynae ward twice a week to advise women regarding menopause issues following surgery. She has a particular interest in premature menopause and is one of the patrons for the charity Daisy Network. Amanda has developed links with other departments, particularly Breast Care and Oncology teams. She is involved in education and training of health professionals in both primary and secondary care and offers a telephone advice line for health professionals seeking advice or support
Debby Holloway
Debby is a Nurse Consultant in gynaecology and has one stop minor procedures clinics which include: hysteroscopy, insertion of IUS/IUCD, removal of polyps, and HRT implants (her special interest) and is joint lead for a menopause clinic, with medical consultant. Role here includes full care of the women, consultation, examination, hysteroscopy if needed and non-medical prescriber. The clinic is in a secondary care setting and includes an early menopause service. Teaching and training of nursing staff, medical students and junior doctors. Involved in training and education and is on menopauses and gynaecology steering groups
Lis Hughes
Lis is a specialist nurse working in primary and secondary care in inner-city Birmingham. As a practice nurse set up the first nurse-led menopause clinic in primary care, which ran for 12 years and managed the majority of women with menopause problems in the practice. She now provides contraception and sexual health services and menopause care in a new primary care centre in City Hospital, Birmingham. She started a menopause clinic with another specialist nurse and an associate specialist in May 2000. Referrals from general practitioners and gynaecologists and other consultants from within the hospital. They have a special interest in early ovarian failure and women having treatment for all types of cancer but especially breast cancer. Lis inserts HRT implants and initiates investigations and treatments. Both nurses have a role in nurse education.
Cecila Anim
Cecila works in Margaret Pyke Centre for sexual and reproductive health in London with a clinical role involving dealing with all aspects of contraception and the menopause. Includes information giving, full counselling on risks, side effects, benefits, and how to use the chosen method after full risk assessment re suitability (especially in case of hormonal contraception / hormone replacement therapy), screening, sexual health advise and health promotion. Involved in training of nurses on the reproductive and sexual health course, teaching visiting medical students and undertaking nurse only clinics. Other non clinical roles include Steward, Health and Safety Rep and Branch Secretary for the local RCN branch, Islington.