Provision of NHS Practitioner Health Service

NHS Practitioner Health Service (NHSPH) provides free and confidential mental health assessment and treatment services for health professionals (as service users) with complex needs and circumstances. NHSPH operates in a unique space where there is a crossover between the professional and regulatory environment in which a clinician or health professional works, and their mental health treatment needs. NHSPH expertise lies in managing the confidentiality associated with accessing health care, taking responsibility for the safety of the service user accessing NHSPH but also the professional and patient responsibilities and risks associated with a health professional's role. NHSPH's understanding and experience are in the mental health presentation of health professionals, especially where this is a high risk of suicide, and the specialist support they may require returning to safe, effective practice. It is a commitment in the NHS Long Term Plan. NHSPH operates alongside local staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs which will support the majority of health and social care staff mental health needs. A small number of healthcare professionals may require more complex support which cannot be met by the local services; this is the purpose of NHSPH.