Intended for healthcare professionals

Rapid response to:

Letters MTAS

Mental health of applicants seems to be deteriorating

BMJ 2007; 334 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39254.905764.1F (Published 28 June 2007) Cite this as: BMJ 2007;334:1335

Rapid Response:

Psychological support for doctors in wake of MTAS

3 points in response to Professor Bhugra's letter:

1) Doctors of any grade or specialty who come under the London or
Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS) deaneries can self refer to the MedNet
service on 0208 938 2411. This is staffed by 3 Consultant Psychiatrists in
Psychotherapy, 2 based at the Tavistock, 1 at the Maudsley. The service is
completely confidential, with up to 6 initial assessment sessions.

2) Within the South London and Maudsley trust, 3 Consultant
Psychiatrists in Psychotherapy are now offering 3 extra short term Balint
groups in addition to the existing Balint group in response to the level
of distress amongst the junior psychiatrists in the Trust.

3)While the response to immediate need is uncomplicated, there are
some complexities among senior doctors about responding to the MTAS
debacle. Trying to mop up distress does not mean collusion with the system
that has let many of our junior colleagues down so badly.

julia.bland@slam.nhs.uk

Competing interests:
None declared

Competing interests: No competing interests

03 July 2007
julia l bland
consultant psychiatrist in psychotherapy, MedNet service
Maudsley Hospital, London SE5 8AZ