Health & Wellbeing for doctors
Health & Wellbeing for doctors
During periods of stress or illness it is not always clear that there are sources of support available to doctors.
As doctors we are not always forthcoming in asking for help when needed. It is important that we look after both our mental and physical wellbeing to be able to look after those of our patients.
The GMC guidance on Good Medical Practice covers this. Domain 2: Safety and quality – ethical guidance – GMC (gmc-uk.org)
Taking time for yourself to rest and recharge is important.
Below are avenues available that provide support and advice both at SGH and from other agencies. Please click on the links for more information
- SGH
- Staff Support: Staff Support Service – Contact Staff Support (unily.com); Email: staffsupport@stgeorges.nhs.uk
- How to maintain your Health and Wellbeing: Health and Wellbeing – Health and Wellbeing (unily.com)
- Health and Wellbeing – Staff Health and Well-being Champions (unily.com)
- Freedom to Speak Up: Freedom to Speak Up – CQC Guides and Resources (unily.com)
2. External Agencies:
- The GMC provides links to useful wellbeing resources available to doctors: Wellbeing resources for doctors – GMC (gmc-uk.org)
- BMA: Counselling and peer support for doctors and medical students (bma.org.uk. Free and confidential 24/7 counselling and peer support services open to all doctors and medical students (regardless of BMA membership), plus their partners and dependents, on 0330 123 1245. There is always someone you can talk to.
- NHS Practitioner Health: Accessing the service for doctors and dentists (practitionerhealth.nhs.uk). Free, confidential NHS service for all doctors and dentists across England and Scotland. The service is provided by health professionals specialising in mental health support to doctors and is available in various locations across England
- NHS Staff Support line: NHS England » Support available for our NHS people. Free helpline is available to all NHS staff in England. Trained professionals give advice on coaching, bereavement care, mental health and financial help. Support via text is also available to doctors any time of day.
- Freedom to Speak Up- National Guardian: The National Guardian’s Office – Freedom to Speak Up
- Relax and recharge at Ratford Retreat Centre which offers retreats and courses for healthcare professionals. They cater for individuals or groups. They cover techniques to recognise and deal with stress, opportunities to share experiences with colleagues, opportunities to be in nature and yoga classes. The details of these weekends are on the website.
