MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

ESNEFT prides itself on being a supportive workplace that cares about the wellbeing of its staff. Below are just some of the ways that we offer support to staff:

Educational and Clinical Supervisors

Every doctor in the hospital will be allocated an educational and clinical supervisor. Your clinical supervisor is a consultant based within the specialty that you are working in and is there to help with matters related to the workplace. Your educational supervisor is a consultant who will support you with career planning and completing logbooks/portfolios. Both are sources of support that you can go to at anytime to discuss issues that may be arising.

Guardian of Safe Working

The guardian of safe working ensures that issues of compliance with safe working hours are addressed by the doctor and the employer (ESNEFT) as appropriate. If you feel that you are continually working unsafe hours, then this is the person to approach.

Mental Health First Aiders

There are many staff at ESNEFT who are trained mental health first aiders, including the postgraduate medical education team. This means they have a formal qualification in supporting people with mental health concerns in the workplace.

Talk to Sophie

Colchester Hospital has a confidential service available called ‘Talk to Sophie’. It provides doctors of any grade with an opportunity to meet with a friendly colleague to talk things through. Our ‘listener’ doctors have all been nominated by junior doctors as trusted and empathic. Doctors can access this service between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday by calling switch board and letting them know you would like to access the Talk to Sophie service. This service will soon be accessible at Ipswich Hospital.

Professional support and wellbeing service

Health Education England (HEE) in the East of England (EoE) are committed to supporting doctors through their training. It provides a wellbeing service which offers specialist support for trainees who may require it. There are regular wellbeing events and workshops that can be accessed through their website. There is also additional support available through referral to their team (either self-referral or referral from an educator).

Chaplaincy Team

Our chaplains are available to visit wards and departments to offer a listening ear. They are here for people of all faiths and beliefs, including people who do not think of themselves as religious. They are onsite Monday to Friday (8am-4pm) and available 24/7 via switchboard. The chapel is also available 24/7 for staff who would like a quiet place to sit.

Important contacts: wellbeing@esneft.nhs.uk chaplaincy@esneft.nhs.uk