AN appeal has been launched to help doctors in crisis.
Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF) president Professor Parveen Kumar is appealing for contributions to help their work supporting doctors facing hardship, often due to illness or other misfortune.
The charity noted an increasing trend for younger doctors, in their 20s and 30s, seeking financial assistance over the past few years.
They cited the case of a trainee surgeon who suffered a cardiac arrest followed by a stroke which resulted in a month-long hospital stay. With his wife on maternity leave, the couple struggled to make ends meet. The RMBF helped cover their living expenses when his sick pay was reduced to 50 per cent and also during his subsequent phased return to work.
The RMBF also help doctors struggling with stress and burnout. Earlier this year they launched their What’s Up Doc? campaign – supported by MDDUS – to raise awareness and help doctors with physical and mental health problems.
Last year they gave financial aid to more than 200 clinicians, with thousands more accessing their online advice and support services.
Professor Kumar said: “We rely heavily on voluntary donations, and we receive no government funding - it really is only with your support that we can continue our vital work.
“The RMBF has now been at the heart of the medical profession for 180 years, and I am immensely proud of the work that we do. Please, if you can, consider giving a gift, to help us guarantee a strong and resilient medical profession for the next 180 years and beyond. Please help us support our colleagues in need.”
- Find out more about the RMBF – including how to donate – on their website
- Download the RMBF guide for stressed doctors, The Vital Signs
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.