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(Picture: PA Archive)The head of the UK’s Covid vaccine taskforce will head a new unit set up to deal with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) shortages.
Madelaine McTernan, who oversaw the nationwide Covid vaccine rollout, will lead the unit amid a shortage of some HRT products used to treat menopause symptoms.
It is hoped the lessons from the Covid vaccine rollout can be applied to the shortage of HRT products, the government said as it announced the new taskforce on Friday.
It comes after pharmacists in London told the Standard said shortages of some forms of HRT was a “massive problem” in the city.
One pharmacy in Highgate said it had been “hell” dealing with the number of inquiries from desperate patients, while others said they had run out of Oestragel stock weeks ago and were unsure when it would come back.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said demand had increased due to GPs writing prescriptions for annual rather than monthly supplies for patients.
“The problem we have at the moment is that we don’t really know when the next stock is going to be available. London is definitely affected. I spoke with several pharmacies two days ago and it’s a massive problem,” said Dr Hannbeck.
Meanwhile, women have had to deal with the repurcussions of HRT shortages, with one saying she would have to stop working without it.
Sarah Smith, 53, from London, said: “It will be catastrophic for me if my supply runs out and I stop abruptly. It will cause a mental and physical impact that will likely see me have to give up work.”
The HRT taskforce will work closely with suppliers to understand what is causing the issues, and develop plans to ensure supply is meeting rising demand.
They will also gather data to improve understanding of supply and demand as well as what is driving shortages, and engage with health bodies to ensure they respond to the increased demand.
Maria Caulfield, minister for women’s health, said: “The new taskforce will play a vital role engaging with suppliers, stakeholders and across government to make sure every avenue is explored to ensure all women who want HRT can access it.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he would “leave no stone unturned to help make sure women can get the HRT they need”.
HRT can help alleviate severe symptoms of menopause including hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, anxiety and insomnia.
There are more than 70 HRT products available in the UK. While most remain in good supply, factors including increase in demand has led to shortages of products such as Oestrogels, the government said.
