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Increase in referrals for Pastoral Care
INCREASE IN REFERRALS
FOR PASTORAL CARE
Pegasus Health’s Pastoral Care Programme has been around since 2009. Designed to detect problems at an early stage and support doctors on an individual basis through times of increased stress, burn out or personal problems, the programme has proved its worth through Canterbury’s pattern of crisis, change and progression.
The programme offers a combination of peer support counselling and education, covering such areas as prescribing habits and business sustainability. Referrals often come in from nurses, pharmacists and doctors with concerns for their clinical colleagues. It’s a safe environment to share concerns and a step before the involvement of the Medical Council.
Dr Caroline Christie is a General Practitioner, Deputy Chair of the Pegasus Health Board and also oversees the Pastoral Care Programme. She says the programme has expectedly seen an increase in referrals during the COVID-19 response.
“We are preparing for a further rise of GPs needing support during this ongoing and likely long term response to COVID-19. All our GPs need to look after themselves and their colleagues, their patients and their businesses as well as adapting to the changing environment in healthcare. It is without question, a very challenging time for healthcare workers and the community,” says Caroline. Support for the GP may be needed with a range of issues including depression, bereavement, anxiety or organisational issues. Once contact is made the care is individualised according to level of impairment, career stage, insight and motivation. GPs are also offered mentoring by one of five doctors in a pastoral care role. Support may involve a visit with a review of file notes. A formal practice review may be done in-house by a peer.
Dr Caroline Christie
Deputy Chair, Pegasus Health Board
