Staff and Associate Specialists Committee annual report 2005
BMA Counselling Service
The BMA counselling service for doctors and their families provides instant access to a telephone counselling service that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is there to help you and your family with personal, emotional and work-related problems. By telephoning 08459 200 169 (all calls are charged at local rates) callers can speak directly to one of the experienced and qualified counsellors, who are bound by strict ethical codes of conduct and confidentiality, and who will discuss your situation with you. You can call at any time of the day or night, and there is no limit to the number of calls you make. You can arrange to speak to the same counsellor each time you call if you wish, and members of your family may also use the service.
Doctors for Doctors Unit
The BMA’s Doctors for Doctors Unit deals with a wide range of problems such as drug and alcohol problems, bullying at work, mental health issues, and doctors who have been referred to the GMC/NCAA. The Unit talks to the individual doctor helping to gain insight into the problem and providing support through the process as well as sign-posting doctors to the appropriate help as necessary. It does not provide a diagnostic service or an advocacy service. The service is confidential and referrals can be made by ‘phone or email. For further information go to www.bma.org.uk/doctorsfordoctors or telephone on 020 7383 6739.