TRAINEE DOCTORS & DENTIST SUPPORT SERVICE (TDDSS)
The Trainee Doctors & Dentist Support Service (TDDSS) is a psychoeducation and support service which aims to offer a range of interventions to support trainees on programmes managed by HEE Local Offices in London & the South East.
Who is eligible?
Any postgraduate trainee doctors and dentists with a current London or KSS training number will be eligible to self-refer to the new service. Separately, HEE have been commissioning PHP to provide Occupational Mental Health services for post registration pharmacy, medical and dental trainees in KSS. Pharmacy trainees are no longer be eligible. Initial contact can be made via email or phone contact.
Trainees are welcome to contact Trainee Doctors & Dentist Support Service (TDDSS) if you have any queries or would like to self-refer to the service.
How to access the service
Please complete the online registration form, together with the wellbeing questionnaire. You will then be contacted to arrange a time for a short introductory call. We will then give you access to our smartphone app which will enable you to book an assessment appointment
The service is delivered as part of the PHP+ programme of work, hosted by the NHS Practitioner Health Programme. However this service is not for doctors or dentists who are unwell or suffering from major mental health concerns. These issues should be addressed to your GP or occupational health. Where eligible you may also access the NHS Practitioner Health Programme: www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk
What can this service offer?
Following your self-referral, you will be contacted by a clinician for a brief telephone discussion to assess your suitability for the service, and answer any questions you may have. This may last up to 15 minutes.
If you and the clinician agree that TDDSS would be a suitable service for you, you will be invited to participate in a longer face to face or telephone assessment. Face to face assessment will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Brunswick Centre near Russell Square in central London.
Following this assessment you may be offered one of the following:
- Access to online CBT support tools
- Drop in peer support/reflective practice group
- Access to psychoeducational groups e.g. Mindfulness programme
- Access to a topic based event, such as a ‘stress and examinations’ event, which will be held across London and the South East
or
You may also be offered further follow up sessions with your assessing clinician (capped at a maximum of 4 sessions)
We may also be able to offer help, advice and signposting around issues such as alcohol or substance misuse and other helpful coping strategies.
To learn more about what the TDDSS can offer, see the videos below:
Meet Sasha
Meet Sam
Meet Nina
Interview with Ruth Deighton - Support for BAME Trainees
Interview with Simon Lyne - Support for LGBTQ+ Trainees
Interview with Dr Jenny Keen - Support for IMG Trainees