RCP: Delighted with measures
Thursday, 21 Feb 2008 11:38
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) has said it is "delighted" the Department of Health has decided to review support for the health of doctors.
Health secretary Alan Johnson said health and wellbeing schemes will be piloted in a number of NHS trusts, including one in London that will focus on doctors who are struggling with mental illness or addictions.
A report - Mental Health and Ill Health in Doctors - was also launched by Professor Louis Appleby, the national director for mental health in England.
This outlines a number of ways doctors should seek help if needed and says doctors who are ill should be treated first and foremost as patients, not colleagues, and calls for rules on confidentiality to be strictly observed.
"The report makes significant recommendations to address the stigma of mental ill health in doctors and the reluctance they have in admitting to a physical, mental health or addiction problem," said RCP president Professor Sheila Hollins.
"A number of the recommendations are aimed at improving support, training and education which will allow doctors to seek help at the earliest possible time."
She added: "We are delighted that the Department of Health has chosen to review the need to address ways of improving the healthcare of doctors and ensure that their health is better managed.
"The college is already implementing many new initiatives which aim to support our members through difficulties and throughout their careers. We are also targeting the education of our junior doctors to address the stigma of mental illness."
