GP Trainee Wellbeing & Inclusion

At the college, we believe that your wellbeing is essential to your success and fulfilment as a GP trainee. We understand the unique challenges you face and are committed to fostering an environment where you feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.

We celebrate the rich diversity of our trainees, recognising that each individual brings unique experiences and perspectives. By embracing these differences, we foster a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare community. Our commitment is to ensure that every trainee—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance—has the opportunity to succeed and experience a genuine sense of belonging.

We are here to support you every step of the way and remain fully committed to cultivating a culture of wellbeing, and inclusion.

Wellbeing Activities

Trainees are invited to take part in our wellbeing activities, such as the book club, breathwork sessions and coaching psychology sessions . These are great opportunities to connect, unwind, and recharge.

National Peer-to-Peer Buddy Scheme

The Trainee Health & Wellbeing Manager is working with each scheme to launch the National Peer-to-Peer Buddy Scheme, which pairs first-year trainees with trainees in second to fourth year. This initiative aims to foster informal, accessible support within each scheme.
You’ll be able to apply via an online form, and further information will be shared in the coming weeks.
It’s a simple but powerful way to build connection and community, and I hope you’ll consider engaging with this initiative.

Wellbeing Webinar 9th - 11th September 

Thank you all for your support in making the Personal and Professional Wellbeing Webinar across the country.
We are delighted to share the positive feedback from our GP trainees:

• Total Respondents: 554
• Self-Awareness: 84% reported an increase in self-awareness as a result of attending the webinar
• Behavioural Change: 82% said they were likely to implement a small change following the session
• We look forward to offering more resources on topics trainees have identified as areas of interest.
• If you missed it and would like to watch the recording back, watch here.

Trainee Wellbeing Book Club

Thanks to everyone who shared feedback on our recent book, Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors by Caroline Elton.
Some favourite moments from the book, as shared by the trainees, included:

• “Figure it out, blue eyes” – the unhelpful nurse
• The impressive Palliative Care Consultant
• James Baldwin’s powerful line:

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed if it is not faced.”
We’re excited to announce our next book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Join fellow trainees for a reflective and engaging discussion on this powerful exploration of resilience, purpose, and the human spirit. If you're short on time, consider listening to this book as an audiobook.
Next book club meeting is Tuesday, 21 October,  1:30 – 2:00 PM
To register, click here
If you’re unable to attend the book club but would still like to contribute, feel free to share your thoughts here.

Suggested reading / Audio reconditions

The Little Mindfulness Workbook by Gary Hennessey 
Atomic Habits by James Clear 
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
The gift of imperfection by Brené Brown 

Thriving in Training Session: Coaching Psychology Tools to Support You and Your Patients

Wednesday, 22 October, 2025 at 1:30 – 2:00 PM
Hosted by Sinead Kelly, Trainee Health & Wellbeing Manager
Join our Trainee Health & Wellbeing Manager, Sinead, for a calming live webinar focused on mental wellbeing, featuring practical tools from coaching psychology that can benefit both you and your patients. In the previous similar Breathwork & Mediation session, 71% of participants shared that they were likely to implement a strategy or make a small change in their lives as a result.

Who Can Attend:
This session is open to all trainees and scheme team members. You’re welcome to join individually or as part of a group.
To register, click here 

Please Note:
This is a live-only event; recordings will not be available. 

Practitioner Health & NCHD Hub Webinar 

Dr. Ide Delargy discussed the Practitioner Health Service, a free and strictly confidential support service providing a range of psychological supports for doctors. Dr. Delargy outlined the review process, emphasising the service’s commitment to offering confidential assistance to doctors facing stress, burnout, mental health challenges, or substance misuse. Additionally, Dr. Gráinne McNally and Occupational Nurse Maria Keatly highlighted the comprehensive support provided by the team at the NCHD Hub, which addresses all aspects of NCHD health. This service only shares your information with your consent. To watch back, please click here.

Our dedicated Health and Wellbeing Manager is here to ensure that your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is prioritised throughout your GP training. She is committed to developing tailored programs and offering support where it's needed most.

What they do:

• Signpost wellbeing supports to trainees for those requiring support on a range of concerns e.g. mental wellbeing, disability including neurodiversity, workplace accommodations.
• Develops and implements wellbeing and inclusion policies.
• Leads initiatives focused on trainee wellbeing and inclusion.
• Facilitates relevant blended learning, webinars, and events to address key areas of need.
• Advocates for trainees in line with best practices and legislation.
• Confidentiality is strictly maintained, except where:
  • the trainee, other employees, or the public are at serious risk
  • a criminal offence is committed
  • ordered to disclose by a court of law
  • there is a child protection concern

Sinead Kelly, our part-time Health & Wellbeing Manager, is here to support you.
You can contact Sinead directly at traineewellbeing@icgp.ie with any queries or to arrange a call. 

We encourage you to reach out for support at any time—especially if you're experiencing any of the following:

• After an adverse incident or complaint.
• If you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated, stressed, or unsure of your abilities.
• If you're facing a work-related challenge or difficulty making clinical decisions.
• When personal challenges such as health concerns, bereavement, or financial stress arise.

Remember, no concern is too small!

The Irish College of GPs’ “Doctor Health & Wellbeing” program is designed to promote self-care, healthy living, and a balanced work-life approach.

Our resources include:

• National GP Directory: Find a local GP who is available to register trainees, NCHDs, and interns as patients. 
• Live GP Wellbeing Webinars: Attend our monthly webinars, offering CPD credits for live attendance or viewing recordings. Previous sessions are available on our Education Platform for you to explore at your convenience.

Occupational Health

Occupational health focuses on the relationship between health and work, covering areas such as workplace adjustments, psychological support, and fitness for work assessments. It offers guidance on managing work-related stress, disabilities, and medical conditions. Confidentiality is a key principle, and occupational health specialists are skilled in communicating with employers about fitness for work without disclosing private health information.

1.  NCHD Hub
   The NCHD Hub is a HSE occupational health service independent of any specific hospital, ensuring continuity of care throughout your training. It typically offers shorter waiting times compared to local departments and includes signposting and support for trainees. Reports from the NCHD Hub contain only recommendations, not medical details. To discuss a referral, contact your Scheme Director or reach out to the Trainee Health and Wellbeing Manager
2. HSE Local Public Hospital Occupational Health
   These services are based at larger hospitals or off-site in some regions. Led by specialist occupational physicians, they provide support with a team of nurses and administrative staff. They offer ‘fast-tracked’ access to physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and access to counselling services, either on-site or through referral.

Counselling, Coaching, Psychiatry and Psychology for Doctors

1. Practitioner Health Matters Programme
   This programme offers confidential support for doctors experiencing stress, burnout, mental health difficulties, or substance misuse. This non-HSE, free GP-led service provides access to psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, all experienced in supporting doctors. Whether you're dealing with minor stress or serious mental health concerns, they are equipped to help. It typically offers shorter waiting times compared public and private lists. For more information, visit www.practitionerhealth.ie.
2. Life and Career Coaching 
   Access confidential coaching to address a range of needs, including conflict resolution, overcoming feeling 'stuck,' boosting self-confidence, managing change, and improving work-life balance. Apply HERE
3. HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
   This programme is a national service offering confidential counselling and referrals for HSE staff dealing with psychological stress. Through the EAP, you can access trained counsellors who provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to help you develop effective coping strategies. You can contact the EAP directly for confidential support, independent of your hospital's Occupational Health Department. The EAP only contacts Occupational Health if there are concerns about your safety or patient safety. Reach out to your local Employee Assistance Programme at HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

HSE National HR Employee Helpdesk

You can contact the Helpdesk regarding benefits, terms and conditions of employment and advice on the operation of the grievance and disciplinary processes. Contact the Helpdesk on 1850 444 925, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm or email ask.hr@hse.ie. They are also on Facebook – HSE HR SAYS