New service aims to support those engaged in Medical Council regulatory process

The Medical Council has launched a new independent, confidential service to medical students, doctors, and members of the public who are engaging with its regulatory processes.

CAREhub provides independent mental health support and impartial guidance to those interacting with the Medical Council’s in areas including education, training, complaints, investigations, and fitness to practise procedures.

In 2023 the Medical Council opened 353 complaints, which represented 1.3 per cent of the 29,488 medical practitioners on its register. A total of 61 complaints were referred to its fitness-to-practise committee, while 49 fitness-to-practise inquiries were concluded during that year.

“The Medical Council’s regulatory role spans the entire lifecycle of a doctor’s career, ensuring the highest standards of care from education through to retirement,” said President of the Medical Council Dr Suzanne Crowe.

“We hope that those engaging with the Medical Council will utilise this service if they need it, and that it will help doctors, medical students and members of the public to feel supported. It’s worth highlighting that only a very small percentage of all doctors are subject to complaints during the course of their career.”

Anyone engaging with the Medical Council regulatory process can access CAREhub through self-referral. Access details are also available from a designated contacts in the Medical Council or via its website. The service is staffed by trained counsellors and operated by Lyra Health International.

Paul Byrne, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations and Support Services at the Medical Council said: “CAREhub strengthens the Medical Council’s mission to support a healthcare system where the health and wellbeing of our key stakeholders – doctors, medical students, and the public – is of utmost importance. By embedding kindness and empathy into our regulatory processes, we hope to provide a more compassionate and effective regulatory environment.”

Dr James Thorpe, Deputy Medical Director at Medical Protection Society (MPS), said: “MPS supports doctors from the moment a Medical Council complaint is received through to its conclusion, and we see how the investigation takes its toll on the mental health of those involved.

“A recent MPS report revealed that over three quarters of doctors said their investigation had a detrimental impact on their mental health, and set out a wide range of recommendations to the Medical Council aimed at improving the process, communication and wellbeing support provided.

“Discussions with the Medical Council on our survey findings and recommendations have been positive from the outset, and the launch of CAREhub to provide independent wellbeing support to those facing this uniquely challenging process is a welcome and positive step.”

CAREhub’s online platform can be accessed via Lyra Health International’s website. Service users can call the Ireland free 24/7 helpline on 1800 851115 or outside of the Republic of Ireland on +353 818 370 051.

More information is available through the chat function on the Lyra Wellbeing Hub, or by emailing the clinical team: ukroicustomercare@lyrahealth.com.