Medical Examiner Criticises NHS for Undervaluing Menopause Significance, Citing Teacher's Suicide as Consequence After Suffering From It
Menopause Neglect Warned: School Teacher Killed Herself Due to Lack of Proper Care
A school teacher took her own life after grappling with the hardships of menopause, which a coroner has deemed deserving of more 'importance' from the NHS.
Jacqueline Potter, 54, who used to be recognized as Anne, tragically ended her life by driving her car into the path of a semi-truck on a dark night. The unfortunate incident occurred after she was released from a mental health unit.
Senior Somerset coroner Samantha Marsh conducted an inquest into Ms. Potter's death and wrote a prevention of future deaths report following the discovery that Somerset NHS Foundation Trust doesn't have a dedicated menopause expert, explaining that it would be challenging to employ one as menopause 'isn't a disease or an illness'.
Coroner Marsh also pointed out the disparity in care offered in the public and private sectors, stating that many women do not have the means to access private clinics, potentially depriving them of essential services.
She asserted, "Menopause is not a lifestyle choice; it is an unavoidable part of a woman's natural biological cycle. Without wishing to introduce sweeping generalizations, menopause is likely to affect 50 percent of the population at some point in their lives."
Coroner Marsh was surprised to learn during the inquiry that menopausal training is not mandatory in any specialized field of practice. She expressed her concern about the lack of compulsory menopausal training for healthcare professionals who handle relevant clinical practices, such as Mental Health Practice, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oncology, and general GPs.
The inquest highlighted that Somerset NHS Foundation Trust had only one "menopause specialist" – a GP serving the entire trust region.
Coroner Marsh said, "Not all GP surgeries have a menopause specialist practitioner (or access to one) despite a GP frequently being the first point of contact for women in the community seeking primary care. Those GP Surgeries who do have a practitioner acting as a 'specialist' is usually a GP with a personal interest who has taken the initiative to attend courses and broaden their understanding, rather than any mandatory requirement for a Surgery (or group with multiple surgeries) to have a readily available community 'front-line' specialist."
Language teacher Jacqueline Potter struggled with her mental health after starting the menopause. She initially sought help from her GP in 2008 for her anxiety symptoms, but for the ensuing 13 years, she faced numerous consultations without finding satisfactory relief.
Ms. Potter, from the village of Kingsbury Episcopi in Somerset, first visited her GP to discuss her anxiety in 2008. For the following 13 years, she had multiple consultations regarding her symptoms.
In January 2021, Ms. Potter reported feeling fragile, anxious, and stressed. Upon her GP's advice, she began hormone replacement therapy and was prescribed antidepressants. By spring, her symptoms appeared to be under control.
However, in September 2022, her mental health took a turn for the worse. She was restarted on her medication, but eventually overdosed on paracetamol. She was hospitalized and, afterward, agreed to a voluntary admission to an acute psychiatric unit.
Her mental health continued to decline, and she drove her car into the path of an HGV tanker on a busy highway in Somerset. The accident occurred on the morning of December 5, 2022, and claimed her life instantly.
Ms. Potter's family described her as "fiercely loyal and sweet" and cherished her sense of humor and ability to offer guidance. They said that she was loved by all and held a talent for languages.
With Coroner Marsh's report sent to various medical organizations, including NHS England, it is crucial that these entities take heed and make the essential changes required to improve menopause care within the NHS, emphasizing mental health components, addressing current gaps in awareness, accessibility, and treatment frameworks.
- The neglect of menopause as a health issue was warned about, as a school teacher took her own life after struggling with menopause-related issues.
- A coroner pointed out the lack of proper care for menopause, stating it deserves more attention from the NHS.
- The public and private sectors offer different levels of care for menopause, with many women unable to access private services.
- Coroner Marsh emphasized that menopause is an unavoidable part of a woman's life, and it affects half the population.
- Mandatory menopausal training is not required for healthcare professionals handling relevant clinical practices, Coroner Marsh found.
- The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust only has one "menopause specialist" serving the entire region.
- Language teacher Jacqueline Potter, who struggled with menopause-related mental health issues, faced numerous consultations without finding relief, leading to her tragic death.
