Treating mental health problems in health care workers

Abstract

EDITOR,—I am the registrar who was working in the Bethlem Royal Hospital unit treating mental health problems in health care professionals until the time of its closure. I take issue with Sue Stevens's suggestion that it is no more embarrassing for health care professionals to seek treatment for mental illness or psychological problems than for any other section of the community.1 Many health care professionals live within the catchment area of the hospitals where they work, and entirely routine admission would entail treatment by people who are friends, enemies, or colleagues …