RCOG members working in the UK and Republic of Ireland can connect with experienced Peer Supporters who offer a confidential listening space and can help you find the right support for challenges you may be facing.
What this service offers
Peer support offers a confidential, informal space to talk through challenges with a peer working in O&G. This is not a formal mentoring or counselling service. Challenges might include:
- Workplace issues or interpersonal difficulties
- Career-related challenges
- Non-clinical concerns
Peer Supporters can:
- Listen confidentially and without judgement
- Help you find the right support e.g., via College resources or external services
- Have an informal check-in when you need someone to talk to
Outside the role of the service:
- Peer Supporters do not provide counselling, therapy or clinical advice
- Peer Supporters cannot get involved in workplace disputes, grievances or employment matters
- Peer Supporters do not replace any formal support process
Who can access this service?
The service is designed to support Fellows, Members and Associates working in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
If you are a trainee, early career SAS or Locally Employed doctor, you can access tailored support through the network of regional Workplace Behaviour Champions.
How it works
To help us to direct your request we ask that you complete a short online enquiry form.
Peer Supporters are equipped to signpost you to additional sources of support, workplace behaviour guidance and resources where appropriate.
All conversations are treated in strict confidence, creating a safe space for you to speak openly and explore your options. Issues discussed will not be shared outside the Peer Support team unless there is a specific agreement or a safety issue arises. Peer Supporters will always discuss this with you first.
Get in touch
If you would like to be connected with a Peer Supporter, please complete the enquiry form.
Who are the Peer Supporters?
Kirsty Dundas, Peer Support Lead
Kirsty works as a consultant obstetrician in Lothian, Scotland. Throughout her career, she has experienced personal adverse cases and has also watched the effect these can have on others. This motivated Kirsty to set up a very successful peer support service in her local trust. Kirsty is committed to improving support for staff working in O&G, understanding the positive impact peer support can have on improving health and wellbeing and reducing burnout and attrition – ultimately improving patient care.
Philip Toozs-Hobson, Peer Support Lead
Philip was formally a consultant gynaecologist in the West Midlands at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital. His clinical research involves the psychology of incontinence and understanding human responses and emotions. Philip’s interest in wellbeing and peer support stems from his own personal experience of referral to the GMC and from understanding cases from his medicolegal practice.
Peer Supporters
The Peer Supporters are RCOG Fellows, Members and Associates working in the UK or Republic of Ireland. They are experienced, senior clinicians with experience in managing and supporting the development of doctors and are committed to supporting positive outcomes and local resolutions.
If you are interested in becoming a Peer Supporter, please contact workforce@rcog.org.uk for further information.
Wellbeing resources hub
If you are struggling, help is always available. Please talk to a friend, relative, colleague or supervisor, or visit the wellbeing resources hub, which signposts other sources of support if you are experiencing personal or professional difficulties.
Workplace Behaviour Toolkit
Designed to support you if you encounter poor workplace behaviours. Whether you are a witness to incivility, you feel you are experiencing undermining or bullying in the workplace, or you lead a team where you have identified a problem with team dynamics.
Return to Work Toolkit
This toolkit supports doctors returning to clinical practice after time away for parental leave, illness, burnout, or career breaks.
For doctors planning time away, you can find guidance for planning absences and preparing to return. For supervisors, you can find resources to support safe, effective transitions.