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Health for Health Professionals

Professor Alastair Scotland

This working group is chaired by Professor Alastair Scotland, Director of the National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS).

Following training in surgery, he entered public health working at local, regional and national levels. His particular focus has been on hospital and community services, and on medical education, training, staffing and professional performance.

Background

The White Paper Trust, sssurance and safety: the regulation of health professionals in the 21st century, published February 2007, recognised the increasing complexity of modern clinical practice had placed more pressure on health professionals and that more could be done to support health professionals with health problems.

The White Paper argued that a reformed system of regulation for professionals who were causing concern needed to be balanced by earlier recognition of those professionals who are struggling to cope and a subsequent greater emphasis on remediation, rehabilitation and support.

Practitioner Health Programme Prototype (PHP) procured and operational

The PHP is a free, confidential service, provided for registered medical and dental practitioners living or working within the London area. Concerns may relate to physical or mental health or addiction, in particular where these may affect ability to work.

  • PHP1 is the first contact, primary care service led by Dr Clare Gerada FRCP, FRCGP, MRCPsych, a general practitioner with specialist mental health and addiction expertise and considerable experience of treating health professionals. Her team includes a psychologist, a specialist addiction nurse and an occupational health physician
  • PHP2 consists of specialist mental health and addiction services including assessment and treatment for those who need outpatient, inpatient or rehabilitation care. These services are provided by SLAM, the Tavistock and Portman, Capio Nightingale and Clouds House.

Development of a framework document

Development of a framework document that helps local health economies both public and private have in place a set of arrangements for the prediction, prevention, identification and management (PPIM) of health problems in regulated health practitioners that may impact on the quality of care to patients and the protection of the public.

Progress so far

  • The working group has defined the evidence requirements. Two literature reviews are already in progress. They are due to complete by mid June.
  • Focus work with specific audiences will follow.
  • Evidence is due to be discussed with working group in July.

Point to note:

This workstream is a devolved matter and whilst represented on the reference group the Devolved Administrations will consider whether they wish to participate in a UK-wide strategy or whether to develop approaches tailored to the circumstances of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Feedback

If you would like to comment on any of the papers or the work of this group then please send them to the email address below

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