Wellbeing and Support
COVID Calm
There is a new service for health care professionals to receive daily stress and trauma management help. The service is called Covid Calm https://www.covidcalm.org/ and is a hotline for nurses and doctors working on the frontline in hospitals with Coronavirus patients. The service has more than 100 professional, experienced trainers who are available to support healthcare professionals every day.
People working in the NHS are referred to as “Heroes” by the media but we know that even Heroes feel fear!
Fear can lead to stress and anxiety and can be a risk to you as an individual and to patient safety. Or, with support, you may be able use it to give you strength and determination, to be the best person you can be at this difficult time.
The Occupational Health team have published some helpful advice for staff who may be feeling stressed or anxious about COVID-19. You can find this information on their page in the Staff Zone on the Trust website.
The Undergraduate and Foundation Administrators have an open-door policy which is still very much the case, despite them working remotely. Our education centres are currently being used for rest and respite which is why all the administrators are working from home. However, if you have any problems or are just in need of a chat, please call any administrator on their extension or mobile listed in the table on page 9 to 11 and they will be happy to talk to you and offer any support or guidance.
Your educational supervisor is always a first port of call for any support. In the current climate, we have decided that you should be supported, in this role, by a Clinical Tutor.
QEQM – Miss Elizabeth Sharp: elizabethsharp@nhs.net
KCH – Mr Martin Mayall: martin.mayall@nhs.net
WHH - Mr Jalal Maryosh: jmaryosh@nhs.net
Chaplaincy services are available on all sites, 24/7.
Bear in mind, it is very common for new doctors to experience difficulties. This will only become a real problem if you DO NOT seek help.
Here is a list of articles providing specific advice for doctors starting their first job:
For further Trust information please view the IFY1 Handbook
Support from the MDU
Newly graduated doctors can expect the same support and assistance from the MDU as would be provided for their F1 year, provided they are members, here is a quick video from Dr Matt Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0PEHAs4tBA&feature=emb_logo
With social media being such an integral part of communication and wellbeing, more than ever before, the MDU have developed a short online course on using social media as a medical professional, members can earn 2 CPD points: https://www.themdu.com/learn-and-develop/course-listing/social-media-for-medical-professionals
The MDU dedicated Covid 19 FAQ page is being kept up to date with the latest advice on Covid 19 related issues and FAQ’s from members: https://www.themdu.com/guidance-and-advice