Rise in doctors seeking help for mental health issues

The number of doctors seeking support for mental health issues increased significantly in 2015, the Medical Council of Ireland revealed yesterday, at the launch of their annual report.

Providing support for doctors is key to preventing suicide and keeping doctors within the profession, argued president of the Medical Council, Freddie Wood. Offering help is also key to ensuring that doctors provide consistent, quality care to the public.

Throughout last year, 51 doctors were supported by the Medical Council’s Health Committee, which assists doctors in continuing to practise during illness, provided there is no risk to patient safety. This compared with 43 doctors in 2014. The most common reasons for doctors seeking support were addiction and mental issues.