NHS England launches new measures to help GPs and patients access the care they need

A world-first nationally funded service to support GPs and GP trainees suffering mental ill-health and addiction goes live next week, while 11 areas have been chosen to pilot new ways of retaining GPs who are considering leaving the profession so their skills can continue benefitting patients.

From Monday January 30, the NHS GP Health Service will provide confidential mental health support for GPs and GP trainees suffering from mental ill-health and addiction.

This free and confidential service will take self-referrals and be provided through a regional network of experienced clinicians and therapists across 13 areas in England, who will deliver support for a range of conditions including:

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

The service has been developed by NHS England and others, including the BMA’s General Practitioner Committee, Health Education England, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the General Medical Council (GMC) in response to calls from the profession for greater support. The new service is run by the Hurley Clinic Partnership who currently provide the London-based NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP).

To read more, go to: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2017/01/accessing-care/