Health / Self-Isolation

I am a trainee and am classed as high risk, what should I do?

If you have not already done so, please seek advice from your Educational supervisor, NHS 111 and / or your local OH provider in order for them to conduct an appropriate risk assessment. Health Education England take the health of trainees very seriously and would advise trainees to follow the advice and guidance of NHS 111 and PHE.

Should you require time off sick, please follow the Trusts normal absence reporting processes.

GP Trainees must also inform the Lead Employer.

I am pregnant and not sure whether I should self-isolate.

We are keen to support our trainees who are pregnant, recognising that many of you will want to do all you can to support your colleagues, whilst prioritising your own health.   We strongly recommend that you undertake a risk assessment through your employer/OH department. We are working with Trusts and other colleagues to identify a suite of non-patient facing roles such as working in Public Health, providing telephone triage as part of NHS 111 services and undertaking telephone out-patient clinics. We have also had examples of trainees moving to work in hospice or psychiatry placements, where the risk assessment has allowed.

Should you require time off sick while pregnant, please follow the normal absence reporting processes.

GP Trainees must also inform the Lead Employer.

You may also find the RCOG guidance useful.

I have already spent 4 months in an acute specialty and am at risk of burnout if I continue for another 4 months, what support is available?

The Professional Support and Wellbeing Service is committed to ensuring trainees are supported and dont burn out during this period. We have been working with our external providers (Medica Support and Occupational Health) to ensure that support services can still be offered in the currect climate.

We are offering an enhanced PSU Wellbeing service for Covid-19. We are accepting self-referrals from trainees who have concerns about themselves and careers as a result of the pandemic. Please email psw.tv@hee.nhs.uk

I suffer from anxiety and the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating symptoms, can I access support?

The Medic Support service offers a rapid response and access to CBT interventions for anxiety and/or other work-related/personal difficulties. These difficulties may or may not be related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further information can be found via our leaflet. To self-refer to the service, or if you have any queries and would like to find out more about Medic Support, please contact medic.support@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk. We will be happy to discuss any queries you might have and discuss best next steps.

You can also access support from your Trusts occupational health service and your GP.