"Ladies First Clinic - another excellent service"

I was invited to attend the Ladies First Clinic at Motherwell Health Centre by my GP surgery. This clinic is for peri/pre-menopausal women to talk about and get help and support around this tricky age! I was a bit apprehensive about this clinic as I am overweight and I thought I would just get the usual 'it's all about your weight, lose weight etc'. However, I was pleasantly surprised to be met by a fabulous community nurse, Kate, who displayed such attentiveness, compassion and care that I was put at ease straight away. This nurse really listened to what I was saying, she was empathetic about my weight whilst still reminding me how much better I would feel and my health would be if I did lose some weight. She was not patronising in any way and I came away feeling empowered to do a bit more to lose weight and exercise. This nurse took the time that was needed to actually listen to me and understand my background and history.

This clinic was really helpful in supporting me to understand the menopause and the symptoms that I should watch out for. I got advice on where I could go to for further support and I also got the usual blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks. You could also get support about breast self-examination but this is something I do regularly because of my family history. I was given a booklet called 'The Time of Your Life' which is full of good helpful information about the menopause.

All in all this is a great service provided by NHS Lanarkshire and several partner organisations for women of 'a certain age'. The staff at the clinic from the receptionist to the nurse were really caring, helpful and supportive as well as being passionate about the service they provided.

I would recommend anyone to go along to this clinic when they are invited to get help and support should they need it but also just for good advice and excellent care.

Thank you to all the staff at the Ladies First Clinic at Motherwell Health Centre, another excellent service provided by our great NHS.