The Doctor Support Service
The GMC has commissioned BMA Doctors for Doctors to provide dedicated confidential emotional support to any doctor involved in a fitness to practise case who would like it.
Having your fitness to practise investigated can be a very stressful experience, and some doctors find this particularly difficult. A new 12 month pilot service, which starts on 14 May 2012, will offer doctors going through a fitness to practise case an independent source of emotional support.
The service is open to any doctor who needs it and is free of charge.
Call now on 020 7383 6707 or email doctorsupportservice@bma.org.uk
Emotional support and advice in confidence
- You can call the service for emotional support and advice from a fellow doctor who is completely independent of the GMC.
- If your case ends up at a hearing, you can ask someone from the service to go with you to the first two days of this.
- After a case has closed, you can also talk to your supporter about how you feel about the outcome.
- The dedicated telephone line is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- The support service is completely independent of the GMC.
Medical advice
Although staffed by doctors, the support service can’t offer you medical advice. You should see your treating medical practitioner about medical issues.
Legal advice
The service can’t offer you legal advice. You should speak to your medical defence organisation or a solicitor for this.
Find out more
Call now on 020 7383 6707 or email doctorsupportservice@bma.org.uk
Find out more at http://bma.org.uk/practical-support-at-work/doctors-well-being/doctor-support-service.
You can also download a leaflet (pdf) containing this advice and contact details.