What support is available during fitness to practise procedures?
We recognise that it can be stressful and seem confusing when a concern has been raised. We want to do what we can to reduce this stress where possible. This involves:
- Being clear about what to expect when engaging with our procedures.
- Ensuring we deliver the highest standard of customer care achieved by developing a customer service charter. This ensures our staff are clear about the standards of care our customers should expect.
We have worked in partnership with Samaritans to train GDC staff involved in the fitness to practise process. This will make certain they have the skills to help recognise where an individual may need additional support.
If you have had a concern
raised about you and you feel you would benefit from additional support, you can discuss this with our staff and they can advise you where best to find help.
Registrants will appreciate that if there are any concerns about their health and wellbeing that may put patients at risk the information may be used in our proceedings. We will keep information relating to health and wellbeing confidential in line with data protection legislation. We may share this information with other organisations who can offer support, but we will discuss this with you first before doing so.
Witnesses and informants should be aware that we may need to disclose information to the registrant facing proceedings. If you have any questions about this then please raise them with our staff. You can visit the Dental Professionals Hearings Service website for information and advice for witnesses.
You can find information about organisations that can provide you with support below:
Alcoholics anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership.
Phone: 0800 9177 650Email: [email protected]
Website: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
BDA Benevolent Fund
The BDA Benevolent Fund is an independent charity for dentists, both past and present, providing support in times of need or crisis. They support dentists who are in serious financial need as a result of illness, accident, unemployment or other adversity.
The BDA Benevolent Fund can provide grants, interest-free loans and occasionally financial support with career transition. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis, and assistance is tailored to individual needs.
Phone: 020 7486 4994
Email:
[email protected]
Website: bdabenevolentfund.org.uk
British Doctors and Dentists Group
The British Doctors and Dentists Group provides support for those who are recovering from chemical, alcohol or drug (prescription and non-prescription) addiction.
Groups tend to meet monthly for mutual support, to discuss alcohol and drug related problems to maintain sobriety, and to offer help to those still suffering, including their families.
Carers UK
Carers UK is both a supportive community and a movement for change.
If you have caring responsibilities, Carers UK can help by sharing experiences and offering support. They are rooted in the real experiences of their members and they are available to make life better for carers
Phone: 020 7378 4999
Phone Northern Ireland: 028 9043 9843
Email: [email protected]
Website: carersuk.org
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. They can provide advice on topics including benefits, work, debt and money, consumer rights, family and housing, law and the courts, immigration and health matters.
Visit your local Citizens Advice branch
Chat online: Citizens Advice web chat service
Phone: England 0800 144 8848, Wales 03444 772 020, Scotland 0800 028 1456
Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 144 8884
Website England and Wales: citizensadvice.org.uk
Website Scotland: cas.org.uk
Website Northern Ireland: Advice NI or visit Gov.uk for other sources of support in Northern Ireland.
Dentists' Health Support Programme (DHSP)
The Dentists’ Health Support Programme (DHSP) provides dental professionals and dental students with free advice and support on alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and other health issues.
Phone: 020 7224 4671
Email: [email protected]
Website:
dentistshealthsupporttrust.org
Dyspraxia UK
Phone: 01223 967 897 (office hours)
Mind
Mind can provide supportive and reliable information to support you if you are experiencing a mental health issue. Mind empowers people to understand their condition and the choices available to them.
Mind offers:
- Infoline offering confidential help for the price of a local call
- Legal Line providing information on mental health related law
- Certified standard information on their website.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (office hours)
Text: 86463
Email: [email protected]
Website: mind.org.uk
NHS Practitioner Health Programme
The NHS Practitioner Health Programme is a free and confidential NHS service for those with issues relating to mental or physical health and addiction, particularly if these issues are affecting you at work.
The Practitioner Health Programme is a service for doctors and dentists who are unable to access confidential care through mainstream NHS routes due to the nature of their role and/or health condition.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is a non-profit fellowship or society of people for whom drugs have become a problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. It is a programme of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.
Phone: 0300 999 1212
Website: ukna.org
Practitioner Advice and Support Scheme (PASS)
The Practitioner Advice and Support Scheme
(PASS) or Dental Advice and Support Scheme (DPASS) provides support
for dentists, particularly those facing complaints or performance issues. The
ambition is to support dentists to improve and to restore their confidence.
PASS or DPASS provides support and mentoring
for dentists by experienced colleagues who work in the same region. In most
cases PASS will be facilitated by the Local Dental Committee in your area. Funding
will vary from one scheme to another, but you may need to pay a contribution
towards the costs.
Phone: 020 7935 0875
Email: [email protected]
Website: Find your Local Dental Committees
Queen Mary, Legal Advice Centre
The Queen Mary, University of London, Legal Advice Centre offers fitness to practise support services, including free practical support and advice to those under investigation.
The Legal Advice Centre is a student led service providing assistance to those who do not have union representation or cannot afford private legal support. The students are supervised and assisted by lawyers with fitness to practise experience.
Phone: 020 7882 3931
Email: [email protected]
Website: lac.qmul.ac.uk
Samaritans
You can talk to Samaritans at any time about anything troubling you. Anything disclosed is completely confidential. Samaritans can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen. Samaritans are available all day, every day.
Email: [email protected]
Write to: Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, Stirling FK8 2SA
Website: samaritans.org
Find your nearest Samaritans branch