GPs battling against burnout, study finds

Ahhh. You would think the pay would make them feel better.

"Relative to average wages, the UK pays its general practitioners more highly than any other OECD country – and nearly twice as much as France." {Article: Guardian 22/6/2011}

I have doctors in my family and they show great dedication and work hard in their career.

Let's also not forget that pharmacists/staff/contractors can also suffer from burnout - with the amount of work placed on them. Let's not forget about them also...

Sachin

I would not disagree with what you say.

May I suggest that the situation with pharmacists is probably at least as great and likely to get a lot worse?

More and more pharmacists are working as employees, often seen as little more than financial production units by the multiples and with decreasing status. Add on the increasing workload, targets and beaurocracy and then combine it with the downward pressure on salary and even unemployment and I can see a real and increasing problem with the likes of ‘burnout’ etc.

The point I was making was that GPs in this country are VERY well remunerated relative to anywhere else. This at least gives them the options of career change or early retirement with pensions the average pharmacist could only dream of.

Regards

Clive

Agreed Chris. I should have made it clear in my post that the few doctors in my family are hospital doctors (so work very long hours - yet get paid peanuts in comparison compared to GPs).

What support is there for Pharmacists/GPs/Other NHS workers? I know that the RPS have a support line.

Hi Sachin
In terms of support for pharmacists, we (Pharmacist Support) are an independent charity for pharmacists and their families, former pharmacists and pharmacy students. Our range of free and confidential support services include a stress helpline (Listening Friends), financial assistance, debt, benefits and employment advice, addiction support (Health Support Programme) and an information and enquiry line.

The Charity has provided a lifeline to those who through circumstances often beyond their control have required much needed help and assistance.
Pharmacists can often feel quite isolated and as the go to person for advice, find it difficult to reach out for help themselves. For some the Charity is a last resort, and by this point things have often become quite desperate. What people must remember is that they are not alone and confidential support is available.

You may find further info on our website www.pharmacistsupport.org, or can contact us on 0808 168 2233, or info@pharmacistsupport.org.
Our direct line for the Listening Friends service is 0808 168 5133 and for the Health Support Programme is 0808 168 5132

Any GPs looking for support can contact our friends at the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund and specifically at their site http://www.support4doctors.org/