Health Support Services for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants

Information about how the Practitioner Health Matters Programme offers a strictly confidential support service to healthcare professionals in Ireland.

Practitioner Health Matters Programme: overview

The Practitioner Health Matters Programme provides confidential support and medical care to health professionals, including pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants, who may be going through a difficult time with stress, burnout, mental health difficulties or who may have an alcohol or drug misuse problem. 

Services offered by the Practitioner Health Matters Programme

This service works to provide appropriate support and medical care to health professionals. It offers information, advice or clinical referral to those who need it, particularly where a health issue is interfering with the ability to practise safely.

The service provides support and expertise in the management and treatment of health issues, particularly addiction and mental health issues among health professionals. This may include arranging access to psychiatry, psychology, occupational health, addiction counselling, drug and alcohol testing services. as well as career mentoring, life coaching, and financial advice.

Memorandum of understanding between PSI and the Practitioner Health Matters Programme

The PSI supports this programme and acknowledges the valuable professional care and treatment that is available confidentially to those who need it, ensuring someone can continue in or return to practice. In certain circumstances, the PSI may also directly refer or recommend a registrant to the programme where medical help and support is the appropriate intervention for a pharmacist or pharmaceutical assistant.

The PSI has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Practitioner Health Matters Programme. Although endorsed and supported by professional and regulatory organisations, it is a fully independent service, and the memorandum of understanding addresses how the regulator and the service can interact.

How to access this support service

Health practitioners can access support from the Practitioner Health Matters Programme in the following ways: 

Practitioner Health Matters Programme website provides information about the services available, access to self-help tools, and access to clinical support.  

Remember that seeking professional help is essential, and this service is there to support you. Should you need more support, we encourage you to get in touch.