Support for Locums / Sessional GPs
Being a locum whilst it gives huge flexibility, can lead to people feeling isolated. It is vital both for you professionally and personally to make sure you look after yourself and keep linked in with others. Each person is different and in the world now there are multiple ways of finding that support.
Here we suggest some different organisations or groups that you might wish to consider. You can also contact our office and we may be able to give you other local contacts and can make sure that you receive our emails which are full of information to keep you in touch with what is happening locally and in the wider NHS.
NHS GP Health Service
The NHS GP Health Service is a confidential NHS service for GPs and GP trainees in England.
The GP Health Service can help with issues relating to a mental health concern, including stress or depression, or an addiction problem, in particular where these might affect work.
GPH is not a service for individuals with mental health problems which require specialist psychiatric input though it can help provide additional support. If you think that you have a mental health problem that requires this level of specialist help you must contact your GP to seek help.
GPH is provided by health professionals who have additional expertise in addressing the issues concerning doctors. These clinicians are available in various locations across England. NHSE (our commissioners) require that they are able to offer a clinical assessment within one to two hours traveling time.
Access the service by emailing gp.health@nhs.net or by calling 0300 0303 300. The service is available 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday and 8am – 2pm Saturday.
Please note the service is not for emergency or crisis issues. These should be directed to mainstream NHS.
The GP Health Service can help with issues relating to a mental health concern, including stress or depression, or an addiction problem, in particular where these might affect work Click here for further reading: http://gphealth.nhs.uk/
Small Groups
GP Survival - http://www.generalpracticesurvival.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/GPstateofemergency/ - A voice in support of UK General Practice. https://www.facebook.com/groups/GPSurvival/
Resilient GP - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ResilientGP/ - discussions of issues with primary/secondary care interface
First 5 & Sessional GPs (Dorset) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/490993870926817/
Tiko's GP Group on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/tikosgpgroup/ - Appropriately anonymised clinical issues
Your lifeline: Why you should join your local Sessional GP group: https://www.bma.org.uk/connecting-doctors/the_practice/b/weblog/posts/your-lifeline-why-you-should-join-your-local-sessional-gp-group
PBSGL - https://www.pbsgl.co.uk/
Peer Support Groups – Hampshire – contact rose.debell@uhs.nhs.uk
Wessex GPSD
Wessex GPSD offers professional support for practitioners who may be struggling with challenges or obstacles which are causing a negative impact on their performance in the workplace. Click here for further reading: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/gpsd
