TV doctor hired to give menopause lessons to Holyrood’s male MSPs
HE is the handsome doctor with a calming bedside manner who dishes out advice from the comfort of a breakfast TV sofa.
Now the skills of Dr Hilary Jones are being employed by Scottish parliament bosses – to explain the menopause to male MSPs.
Politicians have been invited to lessons on the change of life so they can understand what middle-aged women go through.
One of the sessions will be aimed specifically at men and will attempt to make them more knowledgeable about what female colleagues, staff or fellow MSPs are experiencing.
Dr Jones is one of Britain’s bestknown doctors and has been appearing on ITV’s flagship morning breakfast shows, including TVAM, GMTV, Good Morning Britain and Lorraine Kelly’s TV show, for nearly 30 years.
But critics last night questioned the spending of public cash on the lessons, suggesting the information can be found easily online.
James Price, campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘It is remarkable to discover that the Scottish parliament does not have access to Google.
‘We would all like our elected representatives to be more knowledgeable but it is not appropriate for politicians to decide what education to fund.
‘Taxpayers are under enough pressure at the moment without being made bankrupt trying to make up for politicians’ shortfalls.’
A Scottish parliament bulletin sent to staff confirms Dr Jones will be holding sessions on the menopause at Holyrood on May 22.
It says 54 per cent of staff are women, while 52 per cent of the workforce are over the age of 45.
The bulletin states: ‘Managers may find the sessions particularly useful in understanding how it affects women in the workplace. One of these sessions will be open to all passholders. The other will be “men only”. You are warmly invited to attend.’
Those who do turn up will be told the basics about the menopause, including that it is a natural part of ageing which involves a woman stopping having her periods and no longer being able to get pregnant naturally, and that it normally happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
They will also be told of common symptoms, such as hot flushes, anxiety, low mood and difficulty sleeping. Officials say Dr Jones will not be paid a fee for the session, although his travel expenses will be covered, as well as those of his personal assistant.
Lorraine Kelly, 57, said Dr Jones, her colleague, was instrumental in diagnosing her sudden low mood as a classic symptom of the menopause.
He recommended that the Scots presenter use hormone replacement therapy patches, which took effect within weeks.
Last night a Scottish parliament spokesman said: ‘Menopause is a health issue that affects all women and yet there is still a taboo around discussing it.’