This powerful clip illustrates the type of work physicians have been undertaking during the Covid crisis and the emotional toll it can have on individuals. These type of exchanges with families and patients happen regularly in our medical world – they existed before Covid and will continue long after the Covid crisis has passed. It is moving to hear the humanity of the doctor in this radio clip.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08bjlqwhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08bjlqw

March 29th 2020

Dear Colleague,

As the Covid-19 situation becomes more serious and the nation has been asked to stay home, we are aware that this is the time your workload has increased. There are added risks for all of you on the front line which in turn causes increased concern for your own health as well as the health of your families. It is essential that in these particularly stressful times you look after your own health and wellbeing. In times of crisis we can sometimes lose sight of the basic requirements for wellbeing: adequate rest, hydration, diet and exercise. Reflect on how you can best ensure these needs are met in the coming weeks.

While keeping yourself appropriately informed, it is also important to take time away from the relentless updates on Covd-19. Continue where possible to connect with activities that help you relax and give you joy – music, poetry and the arts in general can be a great source of solace – and it is often recommended to jot down some positives at the end of what will no doubt be very busy days ahead.

Practitioner Health Matters (www.practitionerhealth.ie) will continue to provide you with an empathic ear. We are here to listen to your concerns and to offer you support if you are experiencing difficulties. The most recent public health restrictions will mean that we cannot offer you that support in person but like many other services we will offer you a consultation by video or by telephone during this crisis.

You can contact us on 01-2970396 or confidential@practitionerhealth.ie
With every good wish for the difficult times ahead.

Dr Íde Delargy, Medical Director, Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP)
Dr Justin Brophy, Consultant Psychiatrist PHMP

16th March 2020

Dear Colleague,

We recognise that these are unprecedented times for Irish doctors, dentists and pharmacists. The demands of the current Coronavirus crisis may leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. While this can happen to all of us from time to time regardless of speciality or job, some colleagues will be under great duress at present.

We would like you to know that the Practitioner Health Matters Programme remains operational at this time. We are available to support you if you are experiencing psychological problems or are struggling in any way. You may contact us via confidential@practitionerhealth.ie or by phone on 01 297 0356 and we will endeavor to get back to you as soon as possible. Please note this is a free service funded by your professional bodies and representative organisations.

Look after yourselves during these extraordinary times. Remember that carers often need to be cared for too. This starts with basic self care; we are here to help so do call us.

We wish you all the best over the difficult weeks ahead.

Dr Ide Delargy, Medical Director PHMP
Dr Justin Brophy, Consultant Psychiatrist PHMP