Dr Helen Garr works as a GP, and she’s also the clinical lead for NHS Practitioner Health. Practitioner Health is a free, confidential NHS service for doctors who’ve experienced mental health problems that have disrupted their work, and who are looking for support to return to practice.
Dr Garr says the service has seen a huge, ‘almost 100%’ increase of doctors presenting – with around three in five clients coming from general practice.
In an exclusive interview with NASGP, Dr Garr reflects on the higher prevalence of burnout in GP locums, and how peer support networks like GP locum chambers can protect a doctor’s career and wellbeing.