Page 23 - IDF Journal 2023

Support for Doctors
IDF has offered support to its members since its inception. It is part of what the IDF is about – members are here to help one another or, at least, to pass on the message of where to go for help.
The IDF recognises that doctors are more prone to psychological illness than the general population, both because of who they are and the nature of their work.
A number of our psychiatrists have agreed to provide clinical appointments to members, with the first appointment of
a new engagement being kindly subsidised by our Corporate Member Pharmacierge
They can be reluctant to admit they
are having difficulties, especially to colleagues. Furthermore, accessing support confidentially within a close-knit community can be a challenge.
For this reason, the IDF has set up the Psychiatric Support Network for IDF members who feel they are struggling with their mental health. A number of our psychiatrists have agreed to provide clinical appointments to members,
with the first appointment of a new engagement being kindly subsidised by our Corporate Member Pharmacierge.
The IDF has compiled a directory of support services which members can access. Sources of help are outlined here.
Doctors in Distress
This service provides mental health support for all health works across the UK through confidential, facilitated peer support groups. They are committed
to influencing culture change within the NHS, regarding stigma around mental health.
W: www.doctors-in-distress.org.uk/
Practitioner Health Programme
The NHS Practitioner Health
Programme (PHP) has evolved to offer a comprehensive free service to all doctors that includes assessment, specialist referral, rehabilitation and follow up. Funding for the programme comes from London’s PCTs. They aim to develop
a memorandum of understanding with each of the regulators for those health care professional groups where they see people accessing the service as patients.
Text NHSPH to 85258 W: www.php.nhs.uk
The Doctors’ Support Network (DSN)
This is ‘a warm, friendly self-help group for doctors with mental health concerns’ providing an informal service for Doctors with a 24 hour Doctor’s Support Line and regular meetings. The organisation is registered as a charity and is less London-centric than the PHP. Details of the service are available at www.dsn.org.uk
BMA Wellbeing Support Services Counselling | Peer Support
This is a service providing counselling for personal, emotional or work related problems.
W: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/work- life-support/your-wellbeing/counselling- and-peer-support
T: 0330 123 1245.
E: wellbeingsupport@bma.org.uk
The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund
The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund provides help to doctors and their families in need. Details are available at www.rmbf.org
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