GP Trainee Wellbeing & Inclusion

At the college, we believe that your wellbeing is essential to your success and fulfilment as a GP trainee. We understand the unique challenges you face and are committed to fostering an environment where you feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.

We celebrate the rich diversity of our trainees, recognising that each individual brings unique experiences and perspectives. By embracing these differences, we foster a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare community. Our commitment is to ensure that every trainee—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance—has the opportunity to succeed and experience a genuine sense of belonging.

We are here to support you every step of the way and remain fully committed to cultivating a culture of wellbeing, and inclusion.

We are pleased to announce the following upcoming NCHD webinars to support your wellbeing, please register by clicking on the link:

• Practitioner Health & NCHD Hub at 19:00 on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 – Information about the services each provide in relation to support and medical care for practitioners in Ireland.

Can't make it live? No problem, when you register you will receive an email with the recording following the live session.
Please Contact Us with any queries.

• Financial wellbeing, payslips, overtime calculations, mortgage advice and pensions. This webinar was highly attended. Catch it here if you missed it.
• Being a medical parent - Information about having children while being an NCHD, including childcare, tax implications, sleep, breastfeeding etc. Can also be viewed here.

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent Wellbeing webinar with Dr. Andree Rochfort and Sinead Kelly. The feedback has been incredibly valuable, with 87% of participants reporting increased awareness of their own thinking and behavior after the session. Additionally, 87% shared that they were likely to implement a strategy or make a tiny change as a result.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Catherine Drake is our newly appointed part time Health and Wellbeing Manager who is stepping into the role while Sinead Kelly is on Maternity leave.

Our dedicated Health and Wellbeing Manager is here to ensure that your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is prioritised throughout your GP training. She is committed to developing tailored programs and offering support where it's needed most.

What they do:

• Signpost wellbeing supports to trainees for those requiring support on a range of concerns e.g. mental wellbeing, disability including neurodiversity, workplace accommodations.
• Develops and implements wellbeing and inclusion policies.
• Leads initiatives focused on trainee wellbeing and inclusion.
• Facilitates relevant blended learning, webinars, and events to address key areas of need.
• Advocates for trainees in line with best practices and legislation.

Catherine Drake is currently our part-time health and wellbeing manager and you can Contact Us for queries or to arrange a call.

We encourage you to reach out for support at any time—especially if you're experiencing any of the following:

• After an adverse incident or complaint.
• If you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated, stressed, or unsure of your abilities.
• If you're facing a work-related challenge or difficulty making clinical decisions.
• When personal challenges such as health concerns, bereavement, or financial stress arise.

Remember, no concern is too small!

The Irish College of GPs’ “Doctor Health & Wellbeing” program is designed to promote self-care, healthy living, and a balanced work-life approach.

Our resources include:

• National GP Directory: Find a local GP who is available to register trainees as patients. 
• Live GP Wellbeing Webinars: Attend our monthly webinars, offering CPD credits for live attendance or viewing recordings. Previous sessions are available on our Education Platform for you to explore at your convenience.

Occupational Health

Occupational health focuses on the relationship between health and work, covering areas such as workplace adjustments, psychological support, and fitness for work assessments. It offers guidance on managing work-related stress, disabilities, and medical conditions. Confidentiality is a key principle, and occupational health specialists are skilled in communicating with employers about fitness for work without disclosing private health information.

1.  NCHD Hub
   The NCHD Hub is a HSE occupational health service independent of any specific hospital, ensuring continuity of care throughout your training. It typically offers shorter waiting times compared to local departments and includes signposting and support for trainees. Reports from the NCHD Hub contain only recommendations, not medical details. To discuss a referral, contact your Scheme Director or reach out to the Trainee Health and Wellbeing Manager
2. HSE Local Public Hospital Occupational Health
   These services are based at larger hospitals or off-site in some regions. Led by specialist occupational physicians, they provide support with a team of nurses and administrative staff. They offer ‘fast-tracked’ access to physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and access to counselling services, either on-site or through referral.

Counselling, Coaching, Psychiatry and Psychology for Doctors

1. Practitioner Health Matters Programme
   This programme offers confidential support for doctors experiencing stress, burnout, mental health difficulties, or substance misuse. This non-HSE, free GP-led service provides access to psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, all experienced in supporting doctors. Whether you're dealing with minor stress or serious mental health concerns, they are equipped to help. It typically offers shorter waiting times compared public and private lists. For more information, visit www.practitionerhealth.ie.
2. Life and Career Coaching 
   Access confidential coaching to address a range of needs, including conflict resolution, overcoming feeling 'stuck,' boosting self-confidence, managing change, and improving work-life balance. Apply HERE
3. HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
   This programme is a national service offering confidential counselling and referrals for HSE staff dealing with psychological stress. Through the EAP, you can access trained counsellors who provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to help you develop effective coping strategies. You can contact the EAP directly for confidential support, independent of your hospital's Occupational Health Department. The EAP only contacts Occupational Health if there are concerns about your safety or patient safety. Reach out to your local Employee Assistance Programme at HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

HSE National HR Employee Helpdesk

You can contact the Helpdesk regarding benefits, terms and conditions of employment and advice on the operation of the grievance and disciplinary processes. Contact the Helpdesk on 1850 444 925, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm or email ask.hr@hse.ie. They are also on Facebook – HSE HR SAYS