Confidential support service for GPs

“Phoenix GP – I cannot thank you enough for putting on this amazing course! Discovering Phoenix GP provided me with the correct tools to help re-establish my career when I was feeling particularly ‘stuck’ and fed-up with General Practice. I was questioning the sustainability of General Practice long-term and felt worn down by the relentless daily grind and the ever-escalating workloads. Phoenix GP opened my eyes to other opportunities around me and the diverse possibilities of additional roles that I could undertake, whilst continuing to provide patient care. The speakers were fantastic and always inspiring, offering real insight into other ways of working. The course indirectly led me to being successful in applying for a new role as a GPwSI which has re-ignited my pas- sion for being a doctor. The monthly meetings were the highlight of my working week and it was wonderful to share thoughts and ideas with like-minded colleagues. My perception of General Practice has now changed as I have embraced a ‘portfolio style career’ to keep me enthused and loving my role again.”

“Being an Educator has given me an opportunity to interact with my trainees on a regular basis which has created an excellent learning environment for both trainees and myself; I learn from trainees as well. This has helped me remain up to date with clinical developments.”

“The final year of GP training is simply a gauntlet. Of course, there are progressively in- creasing numbers of patients to manage. And added to this are a myriad portfolio requirements; the AKT still to pass (for the many souls who were just too beleaguered by hospital pressures in ST2); and we must not leave out the RCA, which really is an insatiable time- stealer. Somewhere on the journey the Trainee may also find time to reflect on, develop and finesse their consultation technique, ahead of independent practice. But wait a minute. Independent practice? Oh dear. Erm. How do I get a job? It was at just this point – while ragged, strung out, and wondering what ‘111 option 2’ might have to offer – that a beacon of ethereal light shone down on my final months of training. Like a galloping Gandalf, the GP Support Hub swept into play and cast before me”

“I have only the highest praise for the GP Support Hub! They have offered me so much support and advice when I didn’t know where to turn and I genuinely believe that without this service, I would have been considering a different career. No question was too small and each query was dealt with in a friendly, professional manner. I had not appreciated how diverse the support is that is offered. From revalidation support, advice on work opportunities and career development, to pastoral support and accredited coaching sessions. It is like having a friend on the end of the phone to guide you when you don’t know where to turn! Thank you GP Support Hub – you have given me my career back!”

I have been working in the area as GP for years and I have always thought I would never need any help in my career or to solve any issue … After all we are not just GPs, we are superhuman, trying to juggle work & home life and all the day to day struggle in silence and stoicism. Then it happened to me. I encountered a very difficult work situation and I tried to solve it by myself, but I simply couldn’t. I started dreading going to work and I started being really tense and snappy at home, making my poor family pay for all my stress. I think I was really near to a complete burnout when, a colleague and good friend of mine, advised me to contact the GP Support Hub. And with that, in the total darkness, a light appeared. I was contacted straight away by the service. I was supported and listened to. I felt finally someone cared. They helped me look into possible alternative career choices and put me in contact with the relevant people. I cannot thank the service enough for caring enough to help me. Thank you again and keep up the great job!