Sources of GP Support

GP Welfare

For many years our LMC has been active in looking after GPs who are struggling, and let's face it we can all struggle at times during our career.

In the modern world, it is hardly surprising that GPs can become stressed or occasionally "not cope". Their job is to provide expert judgment-based health advice and action for the public on a one-to-one basis, confidentially and essentially for all comers. It is hard to think of another professional group offering this level of commitment. Even without the NHS constantly bombarding them with someone else's To Do list.

Somerset Clinician Support Service (SuCceSS) is part of an international movement to enhance patient care by taking seriously the welfare and working environment of practitioners. The underlying philosophy is that a doctor or dentist who is unwell, under stress or burnt out, will not be able to provide optimal care for patients.

SuCceSS is funded jointly by Somerset LMC,Somerset PCT, and Somerset LDC.

Confidential personal help is available from the SuCceSS helpline at the PCT: Tel 0300 200 0219 or (anonymously if required) through the Somerset GP Safe House website (SSH).

You might be struggling with internal strife in a partnership, with burnout, or your personal clinical workload may threaten to become unmanageable. These and many other common scenarios are the subject-matter of the SSH which provides information and resources for commonly experienced difficulties, plus the opportunity to seek confidential advice from an Advocate. Our local LMC GP Advocates are: Dr Harry Yoxall, Dr Roger Crabtree, Dr Steffi Bridgeman, and Dr Ulrike Nauman.

Go to: somersetsafehouse.co.uk for further information, or to contact our Advocates confidentially. Advocates can also be contacted by phone via the LMC: 01823 331428.

See also: LMC Committee.

Other Sources