Avon Local Medial Committee - Support Network

Avon C.O.P.E. Scheme

Are you coping?

Do you need real help?

The COPE scheme is here to help

What is it?

• It is confidential
• it is local
• it gives direct access to psychologists, counsellors and psychiatrists
• It is for any doctor or practice manager who is working in primary care and is under stress, in distress, depressed, burnt out, not coping, drinking too much or worried about themselves in any other way.

Why COPE Scheme?

• You may be the subject of a Complaint
• You may be overstressed and Over worked
• You may be feeling under Pressure from your practice or your family
• You may feel Exhausted and drained

Don't worry  - you are not alone.

The COPE Scheme will be able to help you by providing:

• Counselling on a one to one basis
• Organisational advice
• Problem solving
• Emotional support

Remember, this scheme is for any GP working in the former Avon area, whether a full principal, assistant locum, deputy or registrar.  The scheme has now been extended to include practice managers.

How can you obtain help?

Ring any of the telephone numbers yourself, either speak to the therapist/helper GP directly or leave a message or contact number to phone back.

Remember to mention the "Avon COPE Scheme" and every effort will be made to put you through to the person involved straight away, or they will undertake to phone you back as soon as possible.

Clinical Psychologists

Rachel Gunary Tel: 0117 959 5041

Rachel is a consultant clinical psychologist working in a general medical setting.  She is experienced in applying a cognitive behavioural approach to the assessment and treatment of psychological difficulties, particularly anxiety and depression in the context of ill health and trauma.

Counsellors

Frank Wills Tel: 0117 924 3574     email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Frank is a cognitive psychotherapist, registered with United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychtherapy (BABCP).  He is also a fellow and accredited counsellor for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).  He is particularly interested in cognitive therapy for anxiety, depression, stress and relationship difficulties.  He has authored several books on cognitive therapy.

Sue Mealing Tel: 01454 610680

Sue is a qualified Relate counsellor, BACP member.  She works with individuals and couples on relationship issues.  She offers long and short term therapy for stress, anxiety, depression and bereavement.

Julia Raffo Tel: 01761 490556 or mobile phone 07768 416 714

Julia is a qualified progressive counsellor.  Her approach helps GPs to focus on present challenges and she teaches simple, yet profound practices to help bring about a new perspective from which to tackle problems and stresses.  Julia has designed and leads the "Self Care for GPs" workshops in the South West.

Medical Staff

Dr Paul Aylard Tel: 0117 952 5255

Paul is a consultant psychiatrist at Heath House Priory Hospital.  He is also a psychotherapist who regularly sees medical colleagues offering assessment and treatment of their problems, using a combination of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic techniques.

Dr Judy Malone Tel: 0117 907 0022

Judy is a BPC registered psychoanalytic psychotherapist.  She formerly trained as a GP and now works as a psychotherapist in the NHS and privaterly.  She has an interest in anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dr Maureen Wright Tel: 0117 971 6940 

Maureen is a former GP Principal who now works as a psychodynamic psychotherapist.  She has an interest in work related issues including stress.

Is it confidential and independent?

Yes.  Anyone using the service will remain anonymous.  No central records will be kept.  Individual therapists will keep confidential records.

How much will it cost to use?

The first three consultations with any psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist will be free.  After that, users will pay for themselves in a private capacity at a rate to be agreed by that individual therapist.

How will it be evaluated?

The users will be asked to answer a brief questionnaire about what they expected and how they have been helped.

The therapists will also be asked to keep an anonymous record of any consulatations indicating the age, sex of their client and the type of problems presented.

The co-ordinator will need this information in order to pay the therapists and to demonstrate the value of the scheme in order to try and secure future funding from the Primary Care Trusts.

Other sources of help

The BMA Stress Counselling Service for Doctors 24 hour service.  Tel: 08459 200 169 (charged at local rates)

National Counselling Service for Sick Doctors Tel: 0870 241 0535 (9.30am - 4.30pm)

Both these services are free of charge to all GPs

Dr Malcolm Price -  Scheme Co-ordinator, Seymour Medical Practice, Charlotte Keel Health Centre, Seymour Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0UA

Tel: 0117 902 7146 (ask for Diane, our office manager, who will forward a message to me) email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Fax: 0117 935 4447

The Avon COPE Scheme is encouraged by Avon LMC and financially supported by the local Primary Care Trusts