A service launched last year for doctors and dentists who are suffering from health problems has been successful in treating clinicians. New findings reveal that 77% of practitioners who were assessed and treated by the NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP) for health problems were able to stay in or return to work.
The PHP, a Department of Health funded pilot initiative, is a free, confidential service for doctors and dentists who live or work in the London area. Chief Medical Officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson came up with the idea for the service after identifying that doctors do not always have the same access to healthcare as their patients. Sir Liam said: “Previously, doctors affected by physical or mental illness found it extremely difficult to access appropriate and confidential care. This service offers specialised support to clinicians, allowing them to get the help they need so that we can ensure that they remain able to offer safe, high quality care to their patients.”
