Improving the health and wellbeing of doctors

A new face-to-face counselling service launched on Monday, 6 August aims to improve the health and wellbeing of doctors across Wales.

The clinician-led, confidential service is the first phase of the Health for Health Professionals (HHP) Wales service and is a collaboration between the Welsh Government, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and The Centre for Psychosocial and Disability Research, Cardiff University. The service will provide doctors with access to British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accredited therapists in their areas, as well as other appropriate services.

Health and Social Services Minister, Lesley Griffiths, said: "Evidence suggests doctors have high levels of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. We also know doctors deal with their ill health and access support in a different way to the general population.

"Improving support is, therefore vital and I am delighted we are able to introduce this new service which has been led by Dr Debbie Cohen, OBE from The School of Medicine, Cardiff University.

"Good health and wellbeing of staff is also linked with improved patient safety, satisfaction and effectiveness of care and means it is doubly important we tackle this important issue."

The new service is based on a recommendation by Professor Sir Mansel Aylward who chaired a task and finish group looking at the provision of occupational health services in NHS Wales. It also helps meet the aims outlined in Working Differently – Working Together, a strategic workforce and organisational development framework, to fully support and engage staff in delivering excellent care.