The Trust says feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive.
A hospital has introduced free period products for its staff in a bid to support their well-being.
As part of ongoing cost-of-living support at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, boxes with day pads and tampons have been delivered to toilets in wards and departments across the hospital site.
The hospital is believed to be one of the first NHS Trusts in England to give staff free sanitary products.
Sanitary products are made available to staff in easily accessible boxes and have been sourced from environmentally friendly social enterprise Hey Girls.
The day pads are made from bamboo, while tampons are 100% cotton, as well as using a recycled cardboard applicator.
It has been introduced as part of the Trust’s attempt to address the impact of the cost of living crisis on its staff and fight period poverty.
The Trust said the feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive.
Empathy, dignity, and respect.
Improvement, Innovation and Effectiveness Facilitator, Olivia Evans, explained, “At RJAH we prioritise the wellbeing of our colleagues and we aim to ensure staff are treated with empathy, dignity, and respect.
“I have been passionate about giving staff free sanitary products and held a trial with specific teams earlier this year. We received great feedback from the trial and are now in the position to offer this to all staff.
“We initially launched cost-of-living support in the autumn of 2022, with a series of measures designed to help staff navigate the cost-of-living crisis which has overwhelmed the country, and I’m delighted that free period products are now part of this programme.”
The scheme has been supported by the Trust’s League of Friends and also aligns with their “Green Plan” which aims for the hospital to significantly reduce its carbon emissions by 2024.
Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive, added, “This is a small but significant step to addressing women’s health in the workplace.
“Periods are a normal part of life and providing free period products for emergency situations can make a big difference to our staff’s comfort and wellbeing.”
