Westport Veterinary Clinic is pleased to announce they are the first veterinary practice in the UK to sign up and become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer.

Working alongside the UK’s leading endometriosis charity, Endometriosis UK, Westport Vets pledges to help drive positive change within the workplace for those colleagues suffering with endometriosis. The Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme provides guidance on how support employees with the condition, with employers committing to providing those with the condition the necessary support to thrive at work.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth. The condition causes cells, similar to the ones in the lining of the womb, to be found elsewhere in the body, usually within the pelvic cavity. Each month these cells react to the menstrual cycle in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue.
Symptoms can vary in intensity from person to person. Whilst some may not experience any symptoms, for others it can be debilitating.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Painful or irregular periods
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Pain when urinating
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty getting pregnant.

By joining this scheme, companies like Westport Veterinary Clinic is committing to ensure those with the disease can contribute to the best of their ability and continue to pursue their career within the veterinary industry. Overall, this is a win for the employer, the individual, and a win for the economy overall as it is estimated that endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2 billion a year in loss of work, treatment, and healthcare costs.

Registered Veterinary Nurse Lauren Wilson has become Westport’s Endometriosis Champion to ensure changes are implemented in the practice and support is available for colleagues.

Lauren says: “I was diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis in July 2021 after a long battle to get my diagnosis after many years of battling with my GP. I had been suffering with symptoms from a young age and I was fully aware of the condition due to family members also having endometriosis. Being able to be the Endometriosis Champion ensures I can raise vital awareness within the workplace and to ensure my colleagues receive the appropriate support they need.

“I am over the moon that we are the first veterinary practice to join the scheme and I hope may other practices will follow in the future. More needs to be done within the veterinary industry to raise awareness and break taboos around menstrual health, which I hope I can continue to do throughout the rest of my career!”

Westport Veterinary Clinic’s Company Director and Head Veterinary Surgeon Stuart McMorrow had the following to say on the sign up to the scheme: “Like so many men I knew absolutely nothing about Endometriosis until Lauren brought it to my attention. I think it’s great to have team members who share the things they have struggled with so others can get support and as a business owner I want to support these initiatives. Having spoken to a few other team members I didn’t realise how common, and hidden, a problem it can be. I suffer from chronic back problems and because there is no stigma about this, I get all the support from my team when I need it. And I hope that now those in our team suffering from endometriosis will also get that level of support and understanding. We work so hard to look after our patients and clients that it is important we look after each other in the team as well.”

Pat Menzies, Scottish Development Coordinator for Endometriosis UK said: “I’m delighted to welcome Westport Veterinary Clinic to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. By showing their employees they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”

If you think you may have endometriosis it is important to speak to you GP for further guidance. Questions and further advice, including how to sign up to the Endometriosis Friendly Employer, can be found on the Endometriosis UK website.

For those interested in hearing more about the work done at Westport Vets, please contact Lauren: lauren.wilson@westportvets.com