In a year in which unmanageable GP workload has been laid bare in Pulse’s workload survey – revealing average 11-hour days – Professor Clare Gerada’s mental health support programme for GPs is needed more now than ever.
Launched in 2017, the GP Health Service has been used by more than 5% of profession since that time – around 2,300 family doctors across England.
The service sits within the Practitioner Health Programme, which has offered mental health support to doctors in London since 2008 – and is now being rolled out across England. Dr Gerada, who is medical director at the organisation, says a milestone this year was seeing the PHP assessed as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, following a ‘terrifying and nerve-wracking time’ during inspection.
The London GP has also used her position to speak out against the lack of support and poor handling of complaints against doctors, and the damaging effects of high workload and burnout. She has called for the reform of GMC regulation and complaints procedures and a review of workload to look after both patients and doctors.
The former chair of the RCGP will also be offering her expertise on how the NHS long-term plan should be implemented, following her appointment as co-chair of the NHS Assembly in March.
Why influential: Champion of GPs’ physical and mental health
What others say: ‘Authentic leader that has made a measurable difference to the wellbeing and wellness of doctors and patients alike’
Random fact: Loves cooking
