Paediatric Trainee Information

Support and well-being

As a trainee paediatrician, you may experience difficulties which affect your work and/or training. Whether you have health problems, family difficulties, workplace issues, doubts about career choice or lack of examination success you should not think you are alone.

First points of contact:

Local department is usually the first place to seek advice and support. Staff may understand specific problems and be in a position to provide solutions.

Clinical Supervisor
Educational Supervisor
Training programme Director
Human resoucres
Occupational Health
Trainee Committee

Scotland Deanery

There is a range of support available from the deanery itself, at the Professional support pages (link) but to highlight on aspect:

Professional Support Unit

There are levels of support offered and they have Trainee Support Coaches available to guide trainees through the process. Feedback from trainees has been very positive as this group is experienced in many areas of difficulty, often has useful contacts and can help share the burden, whatever the cause. Trainees can self refer by emailling PSU@nes.scot.nhs.uk

RCPCH

RCPCH College Resources

Career support service | RCPCH Free RCPCH service which can provide personal career advice through a network of advisors

What happens when you stop? | RCPCH - A worthwhile read.

Where to go for help and support for doctors’ wellbeing. A web page resource that points to a selection of general and profession specific resources for doctors experiencing problems in their personal or working life.

Wellbeing for health professionals. A web resource that provides original resources about health and wellbeing.

Survive and thrive in paediatrics. A web resource that provides original resources on career development for paediatricians at all stages of their career.

Picking your career path

CAREER SUPPORT SERVICE

APPLYING FOR SPIN

Have a look at your sub-specialty training options

APPLYING FOR GRID

Have a look at your sub-specialty training posts and posts available through the UK

LTFT GUIDANCE

RCPCH guidance on LTFT, how to apply and advise for those who are already LTFT

BMA

Counselling and peer support for doctors and medical students (bma.org.uk). Membership not required.

GMC investigation support - Doctor support service (bma.org.uk)

BMA advice and support

NHS

Practitioner Performance Advice (formerly NCAS) - NHS Resolution
Allows you to self-refer, if you are returning to work after a period of absence, or you have health problems which may be impacting on your performance, and they will provide expert advice about the steps you can take and where you can go for help

Accessing the service in Scotland (practitionerhealth.nhs.uk)
Confidential NHS service for doctors and dentists with issues relating to a mental or physical health concern or addiction problem, in particular where these might affect their work

GMC

Caring for doctors Caring for patients report
A new independent report commissioned by the GMC and published in 2019 into the wellbeing of doctors and medical students. It includes recommendations on how to transform UK healthcare environments to support doctors and medical students to care for patients.

Support resources
A comprehensive list of support organisations that operate across the UK including issues of addiction, bereavement, counselling, finances, legal, mental health, work and relationships.

Support for doctors
A web page resource that points to a selection of general and profession specific resources for doctors experiencing problems in their personal or working life.

Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service Doctor Contact Service
service is available to any doctor on the day of a hearing, particularly aimed at those going to a hearing alone or without support.
Email: doctorcontact@mpts-uk.org

Mental Health Support including counselling and psychotherapy

Welcome to DocHealth | DocHealth
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. Fees are based on a sliding scale relating to the grade and circumstances of the doctor.

The Doctors' Support Network - Home page (dsn.org.uk)
self-help group for doctors with mental health concerns, including stress. Self referral

Financial support

Royal Medical Foundation
The foundation aims to assist GMC registered doctors and their families in financial hardship.
Tel: 01372 821010 Email: rmf-caseworker@epsomcollege.org.uk

Royal Medical Benevolent Fund
Provides financial support and advice for doctors, medical students and their families when needed due to age, injury, ill health, disability and bereavement
Tel: 020 8540 9194 Email: info@rmbf.org

BMA Charities
The BMA Charities are two charities (the BMA Charities Trust Fund and the Dain Fund) which help all doctors, and their dependents, and medical students in times of financial crisis.
Tel: 07483 115411 Email: info@bmacharities.org.uk

The Cameron Fund
The Cameron Fund solely supports general practitioners and their dependents. It provides support to GPs and their families in times of financial need, whether through ill-health, disability, death or loss of employment. Helping those who are already suffering from financial hardship and those who are facing it.
Tel: 020 7388 0796 Email: info@cameronfund.org.uk

Other

GLADD (The association of LGBT doctors and dentists)
The UK’s only organisation that unites and represents LGBT doctors and dentists from all over the country. Their website also includes information about support services specifically for those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Hope 4 Medics
A support group for doctors with disabilities and/or chronic illness. Offering specific and generic sources of support. Email: info@hope4medics.co.uk