Professional Support Unit
Professional Support Unit Professional Support Unit Manager Laura Meaney Case Managers Laura Abbott Nina Iacovitti Coordinators Fiona Perfect Thomas Hamilton Supported by Associate Postgraduate Deans @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk
Helping trainees to be successful by: Workshops Leadership. Communication skills. Resilience. Study support. One to one support Supporting those in difficulty. Coaching. Counselling. Occupational Health. @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk
‘In difficulty’ Something that hinders or stops your progression in training Stress, anxiety and low self-confidence. Improvement needs in leadership and assertiveness. Communication problems. Organisation and time management. Team working skills. Exam failures. Career uncertainty. Personal circumstances. @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk
How do you access this support? First you should speak to your ES or TPD to discuss your concerns. This will give you another perspective on the situation. They might also be able to help without the need for a referral. (Please note we do not accept self referrals.) ES completes referral form with trainee input. Everything discussed remains confidential unless there are concerns raised about patient safety or risk of harm to others. Once referred, the PSU will have a short meeting to discuss your difficulties and explore different support options. It is then up to you to access these support options by contacting the provider. @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk
It’s an opportunity A referral to the PSU should be seen as a positive intervention rather than detrimental to your career. It is a great opportunity to access a wide variety of free support. Remember, the support is optional; only access what you need. Also please note that all of our providers are non-clinical but still understand the structure of training and the hurdles you may face, including exams. @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk
Aiming towards a preventative approach Demand analysis to work out who needs our support. Preventative workshops offered to trainees and educators to help prevent any problems. These include: Resilience. Communication skills. Leadership. Study support. These are offered via course manager. Our providers work with you to arrange specific training. @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk
Occupational Health Trust Occupational Health: Provides opinion about fitness to work. May provide recommendations for changes to working patterns. HEE Occupational Health: Provides opinion about fitness to train and be assessed. May provide recommendations for further support. May recommend reasonable adjustments to workplace, training etc. @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk
What we cannot do Wave a magic wand and fix the concerns. Teach clinical skills and knowledge. Influence recruitment decisions or appeals against assessment outcomes. Change the programme or Trust policies and protocols with which you may disagree. @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk
Contact PSU staff are available Monday – Friday during office hours Email: Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk Telephone: 0115 823 3325 @NHS_HealthEdEng Psu.em@hee.nhs.uk