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nhsprachealth.bsky.social
NHS Practitioner Health
@nhsprachealth.bsky.social
210 followers 87 following 250 posts
Mental health and addiction treatment service for health and care professionals who cannot access confidential treatment from local services.

Tel: 0300 0303 300
For 24/7 crisis support text NHSPH to 85258.
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nhsprachealth.bsky.social
Our expert clinicians and therapists are here to support you or any colleagues who may need additional mental health support. Visit our website to find out more about how we can help - www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/
January 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
nhsprachealth.bsky.social
Wishing you a very Happy New Year from all at NHS Practitioner Health.
January 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM
nhsprachealth.bsky.social
We recognise that not everyone can take time away during this period. To support you, we are sharing our Practitioner Health guided meditation designed to help you pause, unwind and restore some calm, even if only for a few minutes.- open.spotify.com/episode/0Cxo...
December 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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During the Christmas period, our service will be operating reduced hours. Please check our website for updated opening times over the New Year period. If you require support during this time is available online. - www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/shout-and-ph...
December 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Your feedback helps us improve the care and support we provide to health and care professionals. If you need access to mental health support, please access the service.
December 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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From all at NHS Practitioner Health, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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During the holiday season, many can be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If this is you, you are not alone. If you need access to support or resources to help you through this period, please visit our website - www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/self-help-an...
December 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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Please note our opening hours during the Christmas period. If you need access to support, please visit our website here - www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/shout-and-ph...
December 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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Our clinicians and therapists are here to help you when you’re ready. If you are unable to access confidential mental health or addiction support from local services, register with us today.
December 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM
nhsprachealth.bsky.social
A new BJPsych Open study of over 16,800 doctors who self-referred to Practitioner Health (2020–2024) reveals significant and complex levels of need across the medical workforce. To read the full paper, click here - www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
December 16, 2025 at 5:01 PM
nhsprachealth.bsky.social
Happy Hanukkah! We wish you eight wonderful nights filled with blessings!
December 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
nhsprachealth.bsky.social
If you are a health or care professional experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. This Domestic Abuse Awareness Day, help us raise awareness of the support available, for those who need it. #NHSDAAD
December 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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Today marks the first NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day - an annual opportunity to highlight the urgent need to recognise and respond to domestic abuse affecting NHS staff. Take a moment to learn about the signs that a colleague may be experiencing domestic abuse. Read more: bit.ly/4pWDAPH.
December 10, 2025 at 3:09 PM
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Content Warning: Domestic Abuse
Last year, Dr Seema Haider joined PH's Clinical and Safeguarding Leads, Dr Kath O'Hara and Dr Hannah Minor, to discuss her lived experience of domestic abuse as a doctor.
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/955492/episo... #16DaysOfActivism #NHSDAAD
December 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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Dr Sandi Dheensa, Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, is currently leading on the PHRIDA Study- 'Enhancing Practitioner Health's Readiness to Identify and Respond to Domestic Abuse'. Learn more here: phridastudy.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/ #16DaysOfActvism
December 5, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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Do you want to help support the wellbeing of the health and care workforce? Practitioner Health is looking for mental health nurses to join our award-winning First Contact Team! Apply here: bit.ly/PHMentalHeal...
Practitioner Health Job Advert: Mental Health Nurse Apply here: bit.ly/PHMentalHealthNurse Practitioner Health Job Advert: Mental Health Nurse Apply here: bit.ly/PHMentalHealthNurse
December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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Facing a complaint as a health or care professional can cause significant anxiety and stress. At Practitioner Health, our clinicians are equipped with the skills to support you through this process. Read more here: www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/complaints
Dealing with the Stress of a Complaint: At NHS Practitioner Health, we consider any health and care professional facing a complaint or referral for further investigation as high risk and in need of support, more so if you have been suspended from work. Our peer support group aimed at practitioners who are facing suspension or erasure allows patients to offer guidance and constructive suggestions without judgement.
November 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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Today marks the first day of the #16DaysOfActivism Against Gender-Based Violence. We are proud to be supporting the first NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day- read more here: dauk.org/campaigns/co...
How does Practitioner Health support health and care professionals affected by domestic abuse? Domestic abuse is a profoundly serious issue. It can affect anyone, regardless of background, profession, gender, or age. In recent years, we’ve seen a noticeable rise in healthcare professionals coming to us at Practitioner Health, for mental health support where domestic abuse plays a significant role. This highlights an urgent need for greater awareness and understanding across our professional community. We know that seeking help can be complex. Many professionals worry about confidentiality- about who will know, and what it might mean for their registration or career. It’s understandable to have these concerns. That’s why at Practitioner Health, we provide a psychologically safe, confidential environment, designed specifically for people working in health and care. There may be times when, for safety reasons, we need to involve other service, but we’ll work sensitively with you and explain every step. The safety and wellbeing of you and your family will always come first. The effects of domestic abuse can be long-lasting and aren’t always visible. Even years later, certain stresses or pressures can bring up old pain or trauma. You can talk to us about how you’re feeling, and we’ll help you find the right kind of support: whether that’s through mental health care, or by connecting you with specialist domestic abuse services who understand your needs. We also recognise that some health and care professionals may identify as perpetrators of domestic abuse. These situations are complex, and while accountability is essential, so too is understanding and support. Practitioner Health can help individuals access services to understand their behaviour and address the underlying issues that may have contributed to it. Life can be complex. But no one should have to face abuse or its effects alone. At Practitioner Health, we’re committed to walking alongside you with understanding, compassion, and care.
November 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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This #Movember, it's important that we all work together to make the health and care workplace a safe space for our colleagues to reach out for support. How does your organisation promote workplace wellbeing? Let us know in the comments below!
How can the healthcare workplace be a safe and supportive space for male health and care professionals? With Richard Jones, Clinical Director Reach Out to Your Male Colleagues Men often find it harder to speak about their feelings. If you notice changes in a male colleague’s demeanour, reach out and ask how he’s doing. If your question is brushed off, try another way - ask if they would like a cup of tea, to share your snack, or if they need help with their work. Reaching out and saying “You seem a bit sad today. If you ever want to talk, I’m here” is a great way to let your colleague know that there is support available when he feels ready. Lead by Example Men often report feeling isolated by their distress or their feelings. If male leaders were vulnerable and openly discussed their experiences of stress, burnout, or mental ill health in the workplace, this could help male health and care professionals feel less alone, and more comfortable to open up about their mental health.
November 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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This evening, take a moment to reflect on how you can implement self-care into your daily routine. Let us know your favourite ways to practice self-care in the comments below! #SelfCareWeek
Ways to Manage Stress: As Suggested by You! Writing Things Down: Generally, I write things down so I can see it all on a page. Using a circle of control is helpful to recognise what things are within or outside of my control. - @dralexlai, Instagram Playing Sports I play badminton, which gets me out of the house. It’s a good way to socialise and meet new people! - @mmaaccss, Instagram Connecting with Others Connecting and letting out the overwhelming emotions with loved ones, friends & family. – Namrata Chodhary, LinkedIn
November 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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Last month, Practitioner Health Medical Directors Dr Helen Garr and Dr Zaid Al-Najjar attended and spoke at the RCGP annual conference. To learn more about their experience, learnings, and what they aim to apply within our organisation, read our latest newsletter here: bit.ly/PHNewsletter...
Dr Zaid Al-Najjar, Medical Director on his experience at the RCGP conference. Read here: bit.ly/PHNewsletterNov
November 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Practitioner Health's therapists are experts in understanding the struggles faced by those who work in the health and care sectors, and are able to help their patients get better and return to the job they love.
Feedback Friday: "As a healthcare professional, I have felt like an imposter for struggling with my own mental health. I felt able to let my guard down speaking to my clinician as they were very approachable, and did not work in my local area. I think this service is fantastic as it allows professionals to access support without fear and judgement. Massive thank you to my clinician and Practitioner Health."
November 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
nhsprachealth.bsky.social
This #SelfCareWeek, why not try some new ways to manage stress, as suggested by members of our wonderful community! We would love to hear the ways that you practice self-care- share your tips in the comments!
Ways to Manage Stress: As Suggested by You! The Physiological Sigh Double inhale through the nose, hold your breath and then slowly breathe out through the mouth. Activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Wonderful! - @dranguspringle, Instagram Move your Body One way I like to get rid of in-the-moment stress is by moving my body in anyway that I can. Anything to use up the adrenaline and to come back into my body and out of my mind. - @emilyfulleylove_coach, Instagram Take a moment Stopping and tuning in with myself. Not just carrying on. Really focusing on what I need. - Victoria Zaslona, LinkedIn
November 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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Last year, PH Medical Director Dr Zaid Al-Najjar joined therapists Simon Lyne and Ruth Deighton to discuss how men can talk more about their mental health. #Movember

Listen here: bit.ly/4hZgapX
November 17, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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Don't suffer in silence. If you are a male health or care professional in England or Scotland and cannot access confidential mental health or addiction treatment from local services, register with us today: practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/ #Movember
Feedback Friday: Movember “I would like to convey a special thank you to my clinician for all his empathy, professionalism and humanity. It has truly been a privilege to be treated by such a kind, patient human being and amazing colleague. I contacted PH for a negative professional event but was unaware that I was living with depression for 16 years. My clinician identified this and did not give up until they were satisfied that they had brought out the best version that I could possibly be. I am now a completely different person who is now able to experience happiness and be a loving partner and proud dad.”
November 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM