Keeping yourself Safe: Professionally, Physically and Mentally

PCC Shielding Engagement Consultation Document

1. Professional Safety:
   • 4 nations joint statement DoH GMC and royal colleges on supporting doctors: https://www.nimdta.gov.uk/download/final-letter-on-supporting-doctors-in-covid-19/
   • GMC discusses how they will regulate doctors and effect of COVID-19 pandemic on medical students and doctors in training here: https://www.gmc-uk.org/news/news-archive/coronavirus-information-and-advice

   • Take Control Campaign – BMA Northern Ireland is encouraging junior doctors to understand their workplace rights and entitlements.  Junior doctors are a vital element of Northern Ireland’s health and social care workforce, yet many juniors are unsure of their contractual and workplace rights.  The weblink explains a handy guide to six key rights juniors have – plus how BMA can support them with any issues they may encounter.

2. Physical Safety:                                                                                                           
   • DoH recommendations on medical conditions: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-health-care-workers-underlying-health-conditions
   • RCOG advice for pregnant health care workers: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/
   • Infographic of how to prepare for work to minimise COVID transmission at home:
   • Infographic of what PPE to use in what situation: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877528/COVID-19_easy_visual_guide_to_PPE_poster.pdf
   • Full PPE guidance from PHE : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-ppe
   • Table for primary care: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877599/T2_Recommended_PPE_for_primary_outpatient_and_community_care_by_setting_poster.pdf
   • Table for PPE in secondary care: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877728/T1_Recommended_PPE_for_healthcare_workers_by_secondary_care_clinical_context_poster.pdf
   • Donning and Doffing PPE videos by Public health England:
     • Donning: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kKz_vNGsNhc  
     • Doffing: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oUo5O1JmLH0
3. Wellbeing and Support

NIMDTA is aware that the COVID 19 pandemic is a time of rapid change and uncertainty for many trainees. We encourage trainees to reflect on and attend to their wellbeing during this period. Looking after yourself is one of the best ways to help provide good care to patients.

The Professional Support Unit (PSU) will continue to provide to support to trainees both though direct contact (by phone or Skype) and by signposting other useful resources. Any trainee connected to NIMDTA can self-refer to the PSU for Support.

• Contacting the PSU: please use the email professionalsupport.nimdta@hscni.net
  • Other contact details and resources: https://www.nimdta.gov.uk/professional-support/
• COVID 19 and Wellbeing
  • Junior Doctor Handbook Psychological Considerations during the COVID-19 Pandemic/ Preparing for practice
  • https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/mental-health-and-wellbeing-resource
  • https://www.ics.ac.uk/ICS/Education/Wellbeing/ICS/Wellbeing.aspx
  • https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/03/16/self-care-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/https://icahn.mssm.edu/files/ISMMS/Assets/Files/Resilience-Prescription-Promotion.pdf
  • https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CSTS_FS_Sustaining_Well_Being_Healthcare_Personnel_during.pdf.pdf
  • Health worker wellbeing resource: https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/covid-19-workforce-wellbeing
• COVID 19 Dealing with workplace stress

The BMA have developed e-learning modules focusing on stressful workplace scenarios and practical guidance: 

• • Workload and time management
  • Understanding resilience in the workplace
  • Negotiating and influencing
  • Dealing with conflict
  • More learning and development e-learning modules

Also, BMA have numerous online learning modules via BMJ Learning:

• • Preventing bullying and harassment
  • Assertivness in the workplace
  • Challenging behaviour
  • Inclusion essentials
  • The art of effective feedback

• COVID 19 and Anxiety
  • https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/927543
• Resources to use:
  • Counselling: All trainees can access counselling through their employment
    • BHSCT Trust: http://www.bwellbelfast.hscni.net/?page_id=1681
    • Other Trusts and other settings: https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/workplaces
  • BMA: Counselling and Peer Support for all doctors not just members: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/your-wellbeing/counselling-and-peer-support
  • Royal Medical Benevolent Fund: https://rmbf.org
  • Free access to all NHS staff wellbeing apps: https://www.nhsemployers.org/news/2020/03/free-access-to-wellbeing-apps-for-all-nhs-staff
  • Free use of headspace app: https://work.headspace.com/nhs-clinical/member-enroll/login?utm_source=The%20British%20Medical%20Association&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11431880_SESSIONAL%20ENEWSLETTER%20260320%20-%20COVID19%20-%20ENGLAND&utm_content=Headspace&dm_t=0,0,0,0,0