Medical Council launches CAREhub to doctors, medical students and members of the public who are engaging with its regulatory processes

• The goal of CAREhub is to offer a supportive, listening ear to service users, and give immediate, direct access to trained counsellors who can help navigate situations effectively

Tuesday 5th November 2024: The Medical Council has today launched CAREhub, an independent, confidential service operated by Lyra Health International. The service provides wellbeing support to medical students, doctors, and members of the public who are engaging with the Medical Council’s regulatory processes.

CAREhub was launched today at the Medical Council’s offices at Kingram House, Dublin 2, at a stakeholder briefing with representatives from patient advocacy groups, doctors, medical universities and other professional regulators invited to attend.

CAREhub provides independent mental health support to doctors, medical students, and members of the public who are engaging with the Medical Council’s regulatory processes. This service offers confidential, impartial, and empathetic guidance to those interacting with the Medical Council’s regulatory processes, such as education, training, complaints, investigations, and fitness to practise procedures.

With CAREhub, individuals will have immediate access to trained counsellors who are equipped to provide a supportive, understanding environment. This initiative reflects the Medical Council’s dedication to prioritising mental wellbeing and aligning with global best practices, ensuring that emotional support is readily available to all those affected by the regulatory process.

Speaking at CAREhub’s launch, Dr Suzanne Crowe, President of the Medical Council said, “CAREhub is a new initiative designed to enhance wellbeing of doctors and members of the public who are engaging with a regulatory process. The Medical Council’s regulatory role spans the entire lifecycle of a doctor’s career, ensuring the highest standards of care from education through to retirement.

“We hope that those engaging with the Medical Council will utilise this service if they need it, and that it will help doctors, medical students and members of the public to feel supported. It’s worth highlighting that only a very small percentage of all doctors are subject to complaints during the course of their career.”

Paul Byrne, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations and Support Services at the Medical Council welcomed the new initiative: “As a key strand of our new Liaison and Support Services framework, CAREhub strengthens the Medical Council’s mission to support a healthcare system where the health and wellbeing of our key stakeholders—doctors, medical students, and the public – is of utmost importance. By embedding kindness and empathy into our regulatory processes, we hope to provide a more compassionate and effective regulatory environment.”

Niamh Dunne, Head of Liaison at the Medical Council explained how to use CAREhub: “Those engaging in a Medical Council regulatory process can connect with CAREhub through self-referral or obtain access details from your designated contact at the Medical Council or via our website.” CAREhub’s online platform can be accessed via Lyra Health International’s website here. Service Users can call the Ireland free 24/7 helpline on 1800 851115 or the Out-of country 24/7 helpline on +353 818 370 051, use the 24/7 chat function on the Lyra Wellbeing Hub, or email the clinical team (ukroicustomercare@lyrahealth.com).

CAREhub is a confidential, independent initiative for the Medical Council, provided by Lyra Health International.