NHS Ayrshire & Arran guidelines
BMA 24/7 Helpline – call 0330 123 1245
Practitioner Health Programme - text NHSPH to 85258
Samaritans - call 116 223.
GP welfare
Warning
GPs are under enormous pressure, which can take a toll on their own health and wellbeing.
Five ways to improve your wellbeing as a GP
You will care for thousands of patients over your career, but how often do you take time to care for you?
As a doctor you might forget, or be too busy to remember, how important your own health and wellbeing is. the New Economics Foundation (NEF) has set out five activities we should all do to cultivate wellbeing in ourselves and in others.
1. Connect with people
Make time for family and friends, and time for you to feel supported by them. Discuss things with your colleagues, not just your patients. Get to know your neighbours and be part of your local community. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
2. Take notice
Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Notice the seasons change and everyday sights and sounds, perhaps on your way to work or when connecting with friends. Be mindful. Try meditation.
3. Keep learning
Learning new things can be enjoyable and improve your confidence. Embrace new experiences. Try something new and look for new opportunities.
4. Be active
Discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits you. Perhaps you can make time for a walk or run. Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety. Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline.
5. Give
Look out, as well as in. Do something nice for a friend or stranger. Even when you are a busy GP, this can be as simple as saying thank you. If you feel that you have more time to give, you might want to join a community group or volunteer your time. When you see yourself as part for the wider community and feel connected you create happiness in yourself and in others.
If you are struggling the contacts provided below may be helpful.
RCGP website: The GP lifestyle - wellbeing in general practice – RCGP online course offering advice on stress management, alcohol, nutrition, exercise and substance misuse.
The GMC website has advice for doctors with health concerns.
The help me, I’m a doctor site brings together five independent charities that support doctors when they need confidential financial assistance. They can provide support to help doctors in genuine financial need get their lives and careers back on track.
NHS Practitioner Health Programme
The NHS Practitioner Health Programme is an award winning, free and confidential NHS service for doctors and dentists with issues relating to a mental or physical health concern or addiction problem, especially when it might affect their work.
Doctors' Support Network (DSN)
DSN is a peer support group for doctors with mental health problems.
A healthcare professional who has experienced a significant personal or professional impact as a result of a patient safety incident can be referred to as a second victim. This web-based resource provides guidance and tools to support individuals (and their managers) who have experience of being involved in such incidents.
Confidential emotional support 24 hours a day samaritans.org
SDT provide a 24 hour confidential telephone helpline for doctors with drug and alcohol problems.
Biggart Hospital
Staff Wellbeing Room – situated within the Coffee Lounge. Tea/coffee/biscuits are available and the area is accessible 24/7. Although not manned, all contact numbers for support are available if required.
East Ayrshire Community Hospital
Staff Wellbeing Room – situated in the Seminar Room. A self-sustaining area with donations of tea/coffee/biscuits from staff at EACH. Although not manned, all contact numbers for support are available if required.
Girvan
Staff Quiet Room – situated within the Quiet Room. A self-sustaining area with donations of tea/coffee/biscuits from the staff in Girvan. Although not manned, all contact numbers for support are available if required.
Arran War Memorial
Staff Wellbeing Area – available for all staff within the hospital with provisions provided by the staff and community donations. Although not manned, all contact numbers are available if required.
Useful contact details
Staff Care:
Mobile: 07824 596511
Email: StaffCare@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Medical peer support:
Email: MedicalPeerSupport@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Clinical Trainee peer support:
Email: aa.clinicaltraineepeersupportteam3@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Clinical_traineepeersupportteam@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Clinical psychology self-referral:
Email: Clinical_StaffWellbeingPsychologyServices_COVID19@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Chaplaincy:
Monday to Friday 9-5pm – contact through switchboard or (if non-urgent) leave a voicemail on 01563 825988
ACH Wellbeing Hub:
Tel number: 01294 323564
Email: NorthStaffWell-Being@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Better Health Hub:
for information or to make an appointment:
Tel number: 01563 825611
Email: aa-uhb.betterhealthhub@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
National Wellbeing Hub:
Telephone helpline 24/7: 0800 111 4191
Website: www.promis.scot