Health and wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of doctors fighting COVID-19 is of paramount importance.

Dukes’ Keeping Well podcasts

The Dukes’ Club have released a series of short ‘sound bite’ podcasts to help promote wellness and prevent burnout during this time.

Support to NHS Staff:
- Support line: call 0300 131 7000 7am-11pm 7 days a week or text NHSPH to 85258 24/7
- Wellbeing apps offering free NHS access: SilverCloud, Unmind, Headspace, Sleepio, Daylight

Senior trainees and consultants may want to introduce debriefing at the end of shifts or difficult cases. See below:

England: Trainee Doctors & Dentist Support Service
- https://people.nhs.uk/help/
Northern Ireland: Professional Support Unit
- HSC Staff Health and Wellbeing
Scotland: Professional Support Unit
- National Wellbeing Hub
Wales: Professional Support Unit
- Health of Health Professionals Wales
Ireland: Health Service Executive Workplace and Wellbeing Unit

Anti-bullying and undermining campaign: RCSEd have produced a range of resources which may be useful in stressful circumstances including negotiation, self-reflection and how to manage negotiation
Non-technical skills for surgeons: RCSEd developed these learning resources for use intra-operatively, these skills are transferrable to a range of clinical situations.
Confidential support and advice service for surgeons: RCSEng offers a confidential support and advice service in order to support surgeons in difficulty
Mentorship and buddy scheme: Support for RCPGS members from other members

Doctors’ Support Network: A peer support resource for doctors with mental health concerns in the UK
DocHealth: A non-profit psychotherapy service for doctors, charged by grade and situation in the UK
BMA Wellbeing support services: Offer 24/7 counselling and peer support services to all doctors in the UK
The Sick Doctors’ Trust: Support for doctors concerned about their drug or alcohol use in the UK.
Practitioner Health: Provides professional support for doctors with mental health, burnout or substance misuse concerns in Ireland
The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund: A charity providing financial advice and support for doctors

Many apps have extended free NHS access until 31^st March 2021 include Daylight, Headspace, Sleepio, Unmind, Liberate & Movement for Modern Life, #StayAlive. Access codes at https://people.nhs.uk/help/support-apps/
Wellbeing Resource Pack: Intensive Care Society
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges page on mental health and wellbeing
Mind the Front Line – A mental health resource for all healthcare workers
Burnout and surgeons: RCSEng’s article from the Bulletin, May 2019
NHS Mindfulness: Tips for all on self-assessment, stress management and mindfulness
HEE MindEd Coronavirus Staff Resilience Hub
Mindfulness and Relaxation Centre: Based at Beaumont Hospital, they offer a range of free online resources to get you started
MoodGym: Offers self-help to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Stress management tips for healthcare workers: Tips to help you control stress before it controls you
Resources for keeping active