Support for doctors and dentists

Organisations clinicians may contact for help and support

NHS Practitioner Health

The NHS Practitioner Health is a confidential NHS service for doctors and dentist in England.

Practitioner Health (PH) can help with issues relating to a mental health concern, stress or depression, or an addiction problem, in particular where these might affect work. PH is not a service for individuals with mental health problems which require specialist psychiatric input though we can help provide additional support where we can.

PH is provided by health professionals who have additional expertise in addressing the issues concerning doctors. These clinicians are available in various locations across England.

Telephone: 0300 0303 300 – 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.
Websitewww.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk
Email:  prac.health@nhs.net

Local Medical Committees (LMCs)

Professional organisations supporting and informing General Practitioners.

Royal Medical Benevolent Fund

The RMBF was set up by doctors to help colleagues and their dependants in need. Support available ranges from specialist information and advice to financial assistance. Improving working lives for doctors, offering confidential advice.

Telephone: 0208 540 9194
Website: www.rmbf.org / rmbf.org/health-and-wellbeing/

Royal Medical Foundation

The Foundation provides financial and other assistance to doctors and their dependents.

Telephone: 01372 821 010
Email: rmf-caseworker@epsomcollege.org.uk
Website: www.royalmedicalfoundation.org

BMA wellbeing support services

This is a confidential, nationwide, non-stop advice and counselling service for doctors and medical students. Provides help for doctors in difficulty, especially in relation to mental health problems and misuse of alcohol and/or drugs.  The unit provides a signposting service to the area of help relevant to the individual doctors.

Helpline telephone: 0330 123 1245
Website: www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/your-wellbeing / www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/your-wellbeing/counselling-and-peer-support

BMA Charities Trust Fund

The BMA Charities are two registered charities which can help all doctors (not just members) in times of need.

Members with queries telephone: 020 7383 6142
Email: info.bmacharities@bma.org.uk

Support 4 Doctors – now hosted by the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund

Telephone: 0208 540 9194
Website: www.rmbf.org

British International Doctors’ Association

The British International Doctors’ Association (BIDA) was established in the United Kingdom with the sole objective of promoting equality and fairness for all doctors and dentists working in the UK. BIDA’s mission is to achieve equal treatment of all doctors and dentists based on their competence and merit irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, country of origin or school of graduation.

Telephone: 0161 456 7828
Website: www.bidaonline.co.uk (complete online contact form)

The Cameron Fund

This charity supports doctors and their families in times of poverty, hardship and distress.

Telephone: 0207 388 0796
Email: info@cameronfund.org.uk
Website: www.cameronfund.org.uk

The Medical Council on Alcohol

This is a charity providing education for medical students on alcohol related health issues. Its focus is concerned with the effects of alcoholic excess on health, and as such, seeks to ensure that medical students are suitably aware of the risks associated with alcohol both on their patients, practice and their own health.

Telephone: 0207 487 4445
Website: www.m-c-a.org.uk
Email: info@m-c-a.org.uk

Doctors’ Support Network

This network aims to provide support, reduce stigma, and campaign for better services for doctors with a range of mental health problems.  “As doctors we are used to supporting patients’ health and wellbeing, but we often neglect our own. Doctors have among the highest rate of mental health problems of any profession, but often feel isolated and unsupported.”

Emailinfo@dsn.ork.uk or complete online form confidentially.
Website: www.dsn.org.uk

KSS Deanery

“To enhance the quality of healthcare, by continually improving the management and provision of supportive, quality assured, education and development of doctors and dentists and, where appropriate, the wider workforce.”

Website: www.kssdeanery.ac.uk

The British Doctors’ and Dentists’ Group

This is a mutual support society for doctors and dentists who are recovering, or wish to recover, from addiction to or dependency on alcohol or other drugs. It provides venues to meet for confidential, mutual support and encouragement.

Telephone: 07825 107970
Website: www.bddg.org

The Sick Doctors Trust

This is a wholly independent and confidential organisation which offers support and help to doctors and medical students suffering any degree of dependence on drugs or alcohol. It offers early intervention and treatment for doctors addicted to alcohol or other drugs and helps with the recovery and rehabilitation of affected doctors and their families

Helpline number: 0370 444 5163 (24 hrs)
Website: www.sick-doctors-trust.co.uk
Email: help@sick-doctors-trust.co.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous

Telephone: 0800 917 7650
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous

Helpline telephone: 0300 999 1212 – 10am to midnight
Website: www.ukna.org

Samaritans

The Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

Telephone: 08457 90 90 90
Website: www.samaritans.org