International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women as well as being a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. Here at Muddy Cornwall we are marking the day once again with an interview series of inspiring women across the Duchy, celebrating women’s achievements, how are we raising awareness about discrimination and what is being done to take action to drive gender parity.

Tell me a bit about yourself, your background and what you do – and how you came to do this?

A recognised expert in her field with over 30 years’ experience, Sarah is a women’s health specialist who takes a science-based approach, to offer evidence-based treatments. With a vast knowledge of women’s health, Sarah specialises in menopause, perimenopause, sexual and reproductive healthcare. Sarah ran the only NHS specialist clinic for women’s health in Devon and Cornwall for 15 years until it was decommissioned in 2016.

In addition to running St Erme Medical, an independent sector General Practice, Sarah provides clinical leadership and governance on the topics of contraception and sexual health to Cornwall Council, as well as sitting as an Executive Director of the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum. A well-respected author in her field, she also provides educational seminars, webinars and practical training to audiences across the world.

Tell me more about St Erme Medical?

St Erme Medical works from a listed early 19^th century stone barn, converted during the pandemic into a modern fully equipped medical centre. This opened in April 2022. In October 2022 the Cornwall Buildings Group gave us an award for its sympathetic renovation to a building that is fully fit for purpose yet retains its archaeological heritage.

How does your team further the IWD theme empowering women’s health choices?

We empower people to take control of their lives and their health. We provide evidence-based information and the opportunity to make an informed decision about what they want to do. We treat patients as individuals and lead by example.

During the last two years day-to-day working life changed for some. Have you been able to continue any ideas into 2023? Or indeed anything you’d like to change?

Early in the pandemic I was very clear that I was not going to volunteer for front-line medical duties. It was much more important to care for the carers. Women at midlife are often the lynchpin for families. I am convinced that our combined approach of psychological and hormonal support helped many to hold everything together.

Video consultations came into their own during the pandemic. Initially they represented the next best option when we could not offer face to face consultations, but they are here to stay. They allow us to offer help throughout the UK. For local people they mean that minimal time is needed away from work, travelling time and parking no longer have to be factored in, vehicle fuel bills are avoided and there is a big tick in the “green agenda” box. Additionally, people could consult with a friend or family member when social distancing precluded this, and they can be a positive rather than the “least bad” choice.

Do you have any role models? Who are they?

No. this has not been done before. I have a colleague in the North East who has taken a similar path and we work closely together.

What’s your favourite Cornish beach / view?

Crantock – a National Trust beach on the North Coast

What do you do in Cornwall to make the most of living here?

Get out and enjoy the fresh air, the flowers, the views and the potential for some lovely walks.

Favourite cafe/ restaurant / shop?

Lanhydrock Estate (National Trust) which has something for everyone all year round with marvellous camelias in the spring and walks along the river which are uplifting even when it’s raining!

stermemedical.uk