Bupa Health Clinics has launched a new Menopause Plan and Women’s Health Hub, as part of its enhanced support and services for women.
The Menopause Plan will provide patients with 45-minute sessions with a trained menopause GP, who will develop a personalised care plan for managing symptoms. Customers will then receive a follow-up appointment 12 weeks later, as well as access to a 24/7 nurse-led healthline for a year, where all nurses have been trained in menopause care.
According to Bupa, a quarter of menopausal women experience debilitating symptoms, which can include well-known aspects such as hot flushes and night sweats, as well as aching joints, increased anxiety and low mood.
It’s hoped that providing these plans will help to ease the burdens on GPs and direct women to services and support that meet their needs, as swiftly as possible.
For every Menopause Plan that’s sold, Bupa will donate 5% to the charity Wellbeing of Women, to help fund research that’s focused on developing tests and treatments that will ‘save and change the lives of women, girls and babies’.
In addition, Bupa has also set up a new Women’s Health Hub, which it says is accessible to everyone and aims to be a ‘go-to source of information and guidance’ on topics ranging from periods to menopause.
Alaana Woods, Commercial Director at Bupa Health Clinics, said: “There are nine million women in the UK aged between 40 and 60. Many of these women could be experiencing some symptoms of menopause, and there is a high chance they may not have access to the right support.
“Over the last few years, we’ve identified menopause as a key stage in a woman’s life where more support is needed. This is why I’m delighted that we’ve launched Menopause Plan and our new Women’s Health Hub to give women access to treatment, advice and guidance.
“A 45-minute appointment with a GP who is trained in this area is invaluable, especially for women who find it difficult to open up or are embarrassed by symptoms they’re experiencing. We’re also incredibly proud to partner with the charity Wellbeing of Women.”
Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, added: “Wellbeing of Women is delighted to be partnering with Bupa as they launch their new Menopause Plan to support women going through menopause.
“The menopause directly affects half the population, yet it has remained a stubbornly taboo topic. Supporting women through this stage provides opportunities to help them manage any symptoms, promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.”