Academy of Medical Royal Colleges: support for doctors - A listing of organisations, services and websites which can offer help
British Medical Association (BMA) wellbeing services - A range of free and confidential services and information to help support doctors and medical students, including:
- Confidential 24/7 counselling line, and Peer support service for all doctors and medical students on 0330 123 1245
- BMA members, plus their partners and dependents, can also access a free structured course of up to six sessions of therapy with a counsellor
- A UK wellbeing support directory detailing various support services by geographical availability on their sources of support page
DocHealth - A self-referral service available to all doctors, UK wide, and aims to provide confidential, specialist-led support for those suffering with stress-related depression or anxiety. The programme will initially run as a 24-month pilot, and aims to complement existing support services such as BMA Counselling and the Doctor Advisor Service. It is a joint venture from the RMBF and BMA. DocHealth is exclusively self-referral, with no report writing unless specifically requested by the doctor using the service. Fees are based on a sliding scale relating to the grade and circumstances of the doctor.
Doctors Support Network - A self-help group for doctors with mental health concerns, including stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, bipolar affective disorder, psychoses and eating disorders. All doctors in the group have been troubled at some stage in their lives. There are regular meetings around the UK, a newsletter and an email forum.
GMC (General Medical Council) online guide 'Your health matters' - Provides the first step in this support, helping to provide timely information for doctors who may for health reasons be involved in the GMC's fitness to practise procedures. The GMC also has a listing of support services.
NHS Resolution - Practitioner Performance Advice - This service provides impartial advice to healthcare organisations to effectively manage and resolve concerns raised about the practice of individual doctors, dentists and pharmacists.
NHS Practioner Health - A free, confidential NHS primary care mental health and addiction service with expertise in treating health and care professionals. The service can help with a range of mental health conditions and addictions in primary care settings.
Royal Medical Benevolent Fund - A UK charity for doctors, medical students and their families. They provide financial support, money advice and information when it is most needed due to age, ill health, disability or bereavement.
Sick Doctors Trust - A proactive service for actively addicted doctors that is structured to provide an early intervention programme. The trust facilitates treatment in appropriate centres, arranges funding for inpatient treatment and provides advocacy and representation when required. A charitable trust controlled by a board of trustees and staffed by doctors in recovery.
Samaritans - This charity supports anyone, with branches across the UK and Republic of Ireland.