Support Services for Doctors

The Medical Council regulates doctors in Ireland. In the role as regulator, the Medical Council promotes patient safety, maintains professional standards, and aims to build trust in the healthcare system.

The Medical Council understands that doctors, medical students, and members of the public who interact with doctors can sometimes encounter unique challenges. To support doctors, medical students, and individuals who are engaging with the Medical Council, they offer CAREhub - an independent, confidential, wellbeing support service provided by Lyra Health International. This service provides a safe space to speak with a qualified professional offering emotional and well-being support.

The Irish Medical Council has introduced CAREhub, an independent and confidential support service designed for medical students, doctors, and members of the public engaging with the Medical Council’s regulatory processes.

CAREhub offers:

• 24/7/365 access to trained counsellors for immediate, confidential wellbeing support.
• A supportive, non-judgmental service focused on compassion, assistance, respect, and empathy.
• Assurance of complete privacy – no personal or sensitive information is shared with the Medical Council, employers, or third parties.
• Independence from the Medical Council, with no access to regulatory or personal files.

The goal is to provide a safe space for those navigating challenging situations, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

The services provided through the Practitioner Health Matters Programme are available to our members and the College would like to remind doctors of what support the service can offer.

Formally called the 'Sick Doctor Scheme', the 'Practitioner Health Matters Programme' (PHMP) is the new title of the scheme which provides confidential care and support for health professionals who may have substance misuse problem and other mental health issues. It has been designed to reflect international best practice in practitioner health.

The PHMP on a not-for-profit basis and is funded primarily by voluntary contributions and professional associations. The Programme has the support of the representative and training bodies for the medical, dental and pharmacy professions, as well as the three professional regulatory bodies for those professions

The service offers confidential help from experts who will provide appropriate interventions, including advice, support, mentoring and appropriate specialist referrals for doctors (including undergraduate medical students) who have a health problem which is interfering with their ability to practice safely.

Services may include access to a range of specialists who have a particular interest and experience in treating doctors. These specialties include psychiatry, psychology, occupational health, career mentoring, life coaching, addiction counselling and financial planning, drug and alcohol testing. Other services will be accessed depending on the individual's needs.

Practitioner Health Matters can be contacted confidentially through the website www.practitionerhealth.ie, by calling 01 297 0356 or email confidential@practitionerhealth.ie.

The NCHD Hub provides a workplace health and wellbeing service for non-consultant hospital doctors, offering support in both your role and overall wellbeing.

As a non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD), you face unique pressures and challenges that can impact your health and wellbeing. The NCHD Hub is here to provide you with support and guidance to manage these challenges effectively and maintain a healthy and fulfilling career.

We offer support with occupational health assessments to NCHDs. Our services are available to those who have an NCHD contract with the HSE or a Section 38 service.

NCHD Hub Services

The NCHD Hub provides services that include:

• advice on workplace adjustment for psychological and medical issues
• disability and work advice
• work-related stress support
• fitness for work assessments
• psychological support relating to your role as an NCHD

Making a referral to the NCHD Hub

Management referral (from Medical Manpower, National Specialty Director (NSD) or training body)
Management referral form
Email nchd.hub@hse.ie

Self-referral (for confidential advice, where no report is issued)
NCHD self-referral form
Email nchd.hub@hse.ie

Regional occupational health service referral (from another occupational health service)
Regional occupational health service referral form
Email nchd.hub@hse.ie

Contact

For full information, visit https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/benefits-and-services/nchd-hub/

HSE SilverCloud is a free online mental health service that provides access to guided digital programs based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Patients can be referred by a GP or other professional to access online courses for conditions like depression and anxiety, and will receive support from a trained coach or volunteer.

Patients work through online modules at their own pace and can receive support from a coach or volunteer through weekly check-ins. A GP or other healthcare professional can refer you to the service, often via an online system like Health Link, which can lead to access within 24 hours.

The service is free for those who are referred.

The HSE has partnered with SilverCloud Health to make this service widely available across Ireland.

For further information, visit:

This resource is provided by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) to help doctors (especially trainees and NCHDs) find a GP to register with, as many doctors in Ireland do not have their own GP.

This resource includes a National GP Directory and other wellbeing support programs for doctors.

The ICGP also have National GP Directory for NCHDs, Trainees and Interns

For further information visit