NHS Western Isles commits to becoming Endometriosis Friendly Employer

NHS Western Isles is the latest organisation pledging to support colleagues impacted by endometriosis, by joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.

Through the scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, NHS Western Isles will improve its support for those in the workplace affected by this common disease, as well as breaking down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health.

It is the second board in Scotland to sign up, after NHS Ayrshire & Arran also recently became an EFE.

Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.

Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating. Despite being so common, it takes an average of eight years and ten months to get diagnosed in Scotland, for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease.

As part of the scheme, the board will be appointing Endometriosis Champions, who will receive training from Endometriosis UK, to enable them to provide support and information to colleagues.

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “I’m delighted to welcome NHS Western Isles to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.

“By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”

Milly Shanks, an Endometriosis UK volunteer who leads its Western Isles support group, said: “I’m delighted to hear that the local health board has signed up to be an Endometriosis Friendly Employer – we’ll be keen to work with them to support staff living with endometriosis. I also hope that by increasing understanding of endometriosis across NHS Western Isles, that those accessing treatment are more likely to be understood and listened to.”

Director of Human Resources & Workforce Development, Diane Macdonald, commented: “We’re delighted to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme to ensure we can support those in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health. We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK, and hope that other employers will commit to joining the scheme as well.”

Endometriosis UK is the leading UK charity championing the rights and needs of the more than 1.5m in the UK with endometriosis.

As well as providing support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis, Endometriosis UK works to ensure that everyone with endometriosis gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support, to end chronic menstrual related pain being brushed off as normal, and to raise awareness of endometriosis with the wider public.

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body, usually within the pelvic cavity. Each month these cells react to the menstrual cycle in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions).

Find more information on the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme at: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-friendly-employer-scheme