Support from other organisations
Support available before, during or after your hearing from organisations other than the MPTS:
British Medical Association
The BMA has a range of wellbeing services to support doctors.
Doctor support service
The BMA provides the doctor support service, commissioned by the GMC. The service offers emotional help from fellow doctors and functions independently from the GMC.
You don’t have to be a BMA member to access this service.
Counselling and peer support
Confidential 24/7 counselling and peer support services open to all doctors and medical students, plus partners and dependents.
You don’t have to be a BMA member to access this service
DocHealth
A confidential, face-to-face psychotherapeutic consultation service for all doctors with fees based on a sliding scale relating to your grade and circumstances.
Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates support
There is independent support available for registered Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs).
The PA and AA support service provides a range of support for registrants going through a GMC fitness to practise assessment. The telephone-based service offers free and confidential emotional support and advice.
The service was set up by the GMC, but is operated independently by Victim Support and any discussions with the service will not be shared with the GMC.
Medical defence organisations
You may be able to access support and advice from a medical defence organisation:
- Medical Protection Society (MPS)
- Medical Defence Union (MDU)
- Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS)
Practitioner Health Programme
A free, confidential NHS service available across England for health and care professionals with mental illness and addiction problems. Provided by health professionals specialising in mental health support for healthcare staff.
Samaritans
Samaritans is available 24 hours if you are struggling to cope and want a safe place to talk. Calls are completely confidential.
Drop in: The Manchester branch is open 8.30 am to 8.30 pm if you want to talk to someone face to face. 72-74 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5NH.
NHS Walk-In Centre
Manchester Royal Infirmary Walk-In Centre
The Urgent Treatment Centre is designed to provide same-day assessment, treatment and support. Services include counselling, anxiety and stress management. Information about how the service operates is available on the website.
Address: Manchester Royal Infirmary, Urgent Treatment Centre (next to A&E), Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL.
General Practitioner
If you are feeling anxious, depressed or have any mental health concerns, you can discuss these with your GP, along with other health issues.