Issue - meetings

For the Committee to consider the report and recommendations from the Menopause Services Task and Finish Review.

Councillor Kate Rolfe, Chair of the Menopause Services Task and Finish Group (TFG) introduced this item. She acknowledged the attendance of members of the TFG and contributors to this review.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had commissioned the review to undertake research, to assess the sufficiency of services, any gaps in provision and to make recommendations to those responsible for the services. In doing so, the Committee outlined the areas to be included, being NHS menopause services and those which the County Council provided.

The TFG held three evidence sessions with the Integrated Care Board, with groups providing ‘lived experience’ of the services, and the County Council’s staff on the internal support offer. The review provided a detailed understanding of the way that Menopause Services were commissioned and the learning from those with lived experience of services. It demonstrated that there were a lot more services than was understood at the outset of the review, especially in third sector organisations. It was clear that the County Council had developed a substantial ‘offer’ of support and advice for its own staff.

The resultant report was submitted for the Committee’s consideration. The TFG proposed recommendations for the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (C&WICB), and for the Council in respect of those services within its remit. The recommendations were set out in the covering report, together with the rationale for each recommendation. The appended review report provided the supporting information, detailing the evidence heard, the stages of the review and its findings.

Councillor Rolfe highlighted the recommendation on information sharing, considering that the Council provided an exemplary service to its menopausal staff. On behalf of the TFG she thanked Paul Spencer of Democratic Services for his support and the work undertaken on this review. This had been an interesting review to sit on, providing a lot of information, especially about the services available.

The Committee Chair considered this a brilliant report and piece of work, being delighted at the information found on the service availability. Questions and comments were invited from members:

• Councillor Falp commented that the TFG had been well chaired. She was disappointed that no male councillors had participated as men were also impacted in supporting their partner through the menopause. She recognised the input from Healthwatch in providing public feedback and reflected on her own learning from this review. There were services but these were ‘patchy’ in some areas, and they should be Warwickshire wide. She echoed the recognition of the support WCC provided for its staff.
• The Chair referred to the recommendation on securing access to primary care menopause specialists. It was known this was limited and she spoke about GP training on this important area, asking what could be done.
• Caroline Graham of HWW thanked the TFG for including in its review the findings of the Healthwatch survey. She spoke of the feedback received from over 300 people, with only 56% of respondents being happy with the primary care service received. There were comments about  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6