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Published
14 April 2025

ELFT Becomes First NHS Trust to Trial ‘Pads on a Roll’ for Staff

ELFT is leading the way in workplace inclusion and wellbeing by become the first NHS trust at this scale to provide free period products inside toilet cubicles.
Colleagues standing in front of a service sign.

Pads on a Roll recently won the Social Value Award at the 2025 Metsa Sustainability Awards, highlighting its role in championing dignity and accessibility for all.

This initiative aims to remove barriers to accessing essential menstrual products by making them as readily available as toilet paper, ensuring no one is left unprepared at work.

For many, managing periods at work can be a challenge - whether it’s the unexpected arrival of a period, the cost of period products, or the stigma around asking for help. ELFT’s trial of Pads on a Roll is designed to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring that staff can focus on their work without unnecessary stress.

Adam Fahn, Assistant Director of Estates at ELFT, said:

“Periods are a normal part of life, and no one should have to feel uncomfortable or unprepared in their workplace. By placing these dispensers inside cubicles, we are making period products as easy to access as toilet paper, providing dignity, privacy, and peace of mind for staff.”

How it works

The Pads on a Roll system provides discreet access to free menstrual products, with dispensers installed directly inside toilet cubicles. The trial is rolling out across 11 ELFT sites, covering a mix of staff areas, admin bases and outpatient settings, ensuring both ELFT colleagues and members of the public visiting some sites can benefit.

ELFT has also committed to donating any leftover pads at the end of a roll to local period poverty groups, ensuring that products benefit both staff and the wider community.

A first for the NHS

ELFT is the first NHS Trust to trial this approach at scale, recognising the growing movement towards period dignity in workplaces. The initiative aligns with the Trust’s commitment to equity, inclusivity, and well-being, ensuring that staff and visitors have the support they need to thrive.

The pilot will run across 11 ELFT sites for an initial period, with feedback gathered from staff to assess its impact. If successful, the Trust hopes to expand the scheme across more locations in the future.

Where will the dispensers be installed?

The trial will include 165 cubicles across the following ELFT sites:

  • Alie Street HQ, E1
  • Burdett House, Mile End, E1
  • Brooksby House, Homerton, E9
  • John Howard Centre, E9
  • Wolfson House, N4
  • Charter House, LU1
  • Twinwoods Health Resource Centre, MK41
  • Crombie House, LU7
  • Whichellos Wharf, LU7
  • Woburn Road Recovery College, MK40
  • Queensborough House, LU6

Inspiring change across the NHS

This trial could serve as a blueprint for other NHS Trusts and organisations, demonstrating a simple yet impactful way to support menstrual health in the workplace.

ELFT is also encouraging other NHS Trusts and organisations to explore similar initiatives.

As Adam Fahn added:

“We hope this trial sparks wider conversations across the NHS about how we can normalise and improve access to period products in the workplace.

“If any other Trusts are interested in implementing this, we’d be happy to share our learnings.”

Join the conversation Learn more about Pads on a Roll on www.padsonaroll.com.

If you wish to share thoughts or experiences related to this or any other EDI initiative, please Complete the EDI Feedback Form - https://www.elft.nhs.uk/form/equality-diversity-inclusion-fee.

This initiative is part of a growing movement towards workplace equity and menstrual dignity. To learn more or explore collaboration opportunities, contact ELFT’s Estates Team or visit www.elft.nhs.uk.

Product and safety information

At Egal, product safety isn’t an afterthought - it’s foundational. Their manufacturing facility is certified to the highest international standards, including ISO 13485 for medical device quality management, ISO 45001 for workplace policies that improve employee safety, reduce risks, and ensure safer working conditions, ISO 9001 for consistent product quality, and ISO 14001 for environmental responsibility. These certifications reflect a deep commitment to safety at every stage of production - from material selection to final product - giving us confidence that the pads we provide are both safe and high quality, as well as aligned with our wider health and sustainability values.