DrKirsty Ellis

Updated NICE menopause guidelines published today. While it’s welcome to see HRT as the preferred treatment for the menopause, this is a disappointing update overall. The focus remains primarily on vasomotor symptoms – hot flushes and night sweats – which are, for many women, not the main symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Most women experience brain symptoms – brain fog, low mood, anxiety, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, memory problems and fatigue – and these are things we know are unlikely to be alleviated in the long term by CBT, as suggested. The guidelines also do not differentiate between older, synthetic HRT and the natural (body identical) hormones now more commonly prescribed – while the word “risk” is mentioned three times as often than the word “benefit”, these newer forms offer more benefit than risks. The true risk comes in NOT taking HRT at all, with good quality evidence showing that low hormones during menopause increases the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, clincial depression, autoimmune diseases and an earlier death. These diseases reduce in women taking hormones and life expectancy increases. Women deserve to be fully informed and involved at every step of their healthcare consultation to make an informed decision on the right treatment or combination of treatments for them. While we have seen a rise in recent years in access to evidence-based treatments like HRT, a postcode lottery still exists, particularly for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Too many women are still struggling to receive HRT, and these guidelines will be confusing for both healthcare professionals and women. Perimenopause and menopause is sorely under-researched and under-funded, and this must change. In the meantime, women deserve to have a choice, and those who want to take HRT should be able to have it prescribed. That HRT is now the frontline treatment is refreshing, but future documents and consultations must go further to ensure women get the treatment they deserve. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/…

@howell_annabel @MorvenMacLean @WillMcLeanVol

Senior leadership teams are force multipliers: effectiveness radiates from the top team throughout an organisation. Yet in a study by @CCLdotORG, two-thirds of the senior executives felt their top team was ineffective & only 20% felt that their team was high performing. Research by @BainandCompany identified five behaviour traits that the most effective top teams have in common. These traits are collective - they characterise the behaviours of the team as a whole, not those of its individual members: 1) Direction: the team collectively sets purpose, vision & strategy 2) Discipline: everyone understands the strategies, objectives & deliverables of their peers so they can work together interdependently 3) Drive: the team prepares carefully, debates constructively & is industrious & resilient over the long term 4) Dynamism: they treat change as constant & positive 5) Collaboration: the team creates the psychological safety needed to give and take feedback, listen actively, brainstorm, solve problems & hold themselves accountable: hbr.org/2024/09/teamwo…. Via @HarvardBiz

Brilliant conversation looking at “How might we..?” statements with colleagues in Rachel House working on Admissions project #humanlearningsystem #qualityimprovement #understandingexperienceiseverything

@supportCHAS working with colleagues from the multidisciplinary team to explore ways to improve the admissions process. Started the session with staff sharing their feeling on using improvement methodology @dgmfg #humallearningsystems

I am fundraising for poppyscotland. Check out my @JustGiving page and please donate if you can. Thank you! #JustGiving justgiving.com/page/kirsteen-…

Love this, an important distinction to make

There's a growing body of evidence about the importance of cultural readiness & social connection as foundations for change & improvement capability in organisations. It can be very hard to improve performance in organisations where this "relational" investment has not been made. One way of describing this is "organisational debt syndrome", a phenomenon that results from accumulated compromises & shortcuts taken in people, culture & leadership practices over time. So rather than diving straight into technical solutions, we need to look at the big picture & consider how to nurture social & cultural growth, not just technical remedies: bradenkelley.com/2024/07/organi…. By Stefan Lindegaard, via @innovate.

Looking for a different / exciting start to your week? Why not join me for a bit of off road cycling fun at Aberfoyle, rolling out at 11:00 for the Riverside Care Park. Sign up using the link below letsride.co.uk/rides/breeze-d…

@elayne100360 @UHD_KLS @elayne100360 would it be possible to speak to you to hear more about this?

@HelenBevan We have 'Living Libraries' real staff lived experience stories to borrow and learn, a fabulous initiative from our @UHD_KLS 20mins with a living book can change your perceptions & teach so much

If we want people to change what they do, nothing equals the power of peer-to-peer influence. We need to move away from "change management" practices that assume that people will change their minds, attitudes or mindsets via rational understanding, data or emotional engagement. Rather, we should work with peer networks to shape cultures, create behavioural change, establish new rules &/or styles of working: linkedin.com/posts/leandroh…. By @LeandroEHerrero

We owe it to them: all our female ancestors who were denied that democratic right. Patriarchal forces still attempt to hold us back by pushing apathy, telling us that “politicians are all the same”. They’re not - and you have the right to choose, to vote from the heart, for our future, for all our children - and to make your voice and your vote count.

Can't wait to take the kids to see this amazing Hairy Highland Coo sculpture trial over the summer in aid of @supportCHAS. Check it out! 👇🏾

@howell_annabel interesting read

ByCycle is 25years old!! Help us celebrate by joining our Birthday Ride 'Around the Tay' on Sunday 18th August 2024. Sign up at bicycle.org.uk #Cycling #Perth #Kinross #BicyclePerth

@howell_annabel @ramiokasha @MorvenMacLean Nicky, @iainmcandrew Jane, Karen, Kim @delorusblue Interesting that this appeared today

We are delighted to announce that Jennifer Rodgers MBE will be our new Director of Nursing and Family Support at CHAS. Jen will take up her new role in August, working closely with Dr Annabel Howell, our Medical Director. Full story on our site 👇 chas.org.uk/news-articles/…

Delighted to see such a clear plan - hugely informed by the voices of people who use our services and need our support

An interesting piece, thought provoking

Your Workplace tinyurl.com/3yuhts7e Does it value toxicity over trust?