Practitioner Health

Practitioner Health is a confidential, free, NHS service and provides access to mental health treatment and wellbeing support for healthcare staff. Since 2008 our objectives have been to improve the mental wellbeing of the clinical workforce, reduce the stigma they face and to ensure that individuals can be retained or returned to the workforce.

Mental health treatment service

The mental health treatment service is available via self-referral for any doctor/dentist (including students in their clinical years) on the GMC/GDC register in England. Our network of clinicians and therapists across England are able to provide treatment and support. The service can provide advice over the phone and rapid access to an expert GP, nurse or psychiatrist with special expertise in treating health professionals.

The service supports doctors and dentists working or looking to return to clinical practice in England who are suffering with a mental health concern, including stress or depression, or an addiction issue.  Any doctor or dentist in England can self-refer to this service.

This service can help doctors and dentists with a range of issues including:

• Common and more complex mental health conditions
• Mental health conditions relating to a physical health issue
• Substance misuse including support for community detoxification
• Rehabilitation and support to return to work after a period of mental ill-health.

The Practitioner Health service is aware that doctors, dentists and other health professionals often find it difficult to access mainstream mental health or addictions services due to fears that they will not receive a truly confidential service. As a patient of the services you have the right to request that your status as a practitioner patient of the service is known only to you and the service.

Workforce wellbeing support

Wellbeing services are available to all NHS staff in England who can the range of wellbeing resources, online spaces, webinars and apps can help you find the right psychological support for your needs.

The service offers:

• Online “common rooms” as a positive space to come together, with colleagues from across the country, connect and establish a safe, supportive environment in which to reflect and share experiences. The rooms are hosted by Practitioner Health clinicians and psychologists.
• Access to clinically-evidence wellbeing apps and modules, to help ease levels of stress, sleep better or to build resilience.
• A programme of webinars, podcasts and events with key speakers and topics exploring wellbeing and mental health

We also operate a 24/7 crisis text service for healthcare staff through our provider partner SHOUT. To access this, text: “NHSPH” to 85258

For more information visit practitionerhealth.nhs.uk