What is PSW?

PSW is a group of clinical and non-clinical case managers who all have a background in either psychiatry, counselling or coaching.

Once a referral comes into our service, a booking link is sent to have an initial meeting with a case manager.

This meeting is a virtual 1-1 confidential meeting (see confidentiality FAQ) for up to 90 minutes.

This allows the case manager to listen to the concerns of the resident doctor or dentist and following a discussion, an action plan is made for support.

This may involve referrals to external providers of coaching, counselling, study skills/exam support; or signposting to other resources as appropriate.

Follow up is usually by e mail and then once  the support has been accessed, the episode of support is closed.

 

Can I access the service if I am not a resident doctor/dentist in training? / Who is eligible to use PSW services?

Our services are only available for those doctors. dentists and advanced care practitioners in training programmes in the southwest.

Pharmacy trainees can be referred via their supervisor.

Other sources of support can be found on our webpages.

If a referral is made while in training, the support can continue for a further 6 months after leaving a training programme.

Re-referrals are permitted

 

Is the service confidential? 

The service is confidential and separate to your training programme.

Confidentiality may be broken if it is felt that the resident doctor or dentist is a risk to themselves or others

This will be explained at the start of each meeting and if confidentiality needs to be broken for safety, this will be explained and who will be informed

 

What happens after a referral is made?

Once a referral comes into our service, a booking link is sent to have an initial meeting with a case manager.

This meeting is a virtual 1-1 confidential meeting (see confidentiality FAQ) for up to 90 minutes.

This allows the case manager to listen to the concerns of the resident doctor or dentist and following a discussion, an action plan is made for support.

This may involve referrals to external providers of coaching, counselling, study skills/exam support; or signposting to other resources as appropriate.

Follow up is usually by e mail and then once  the support has been accessed, the episode of support is closed.

 

Can I refer myself, or do I need my supervisor's permission?

Self referral is encouraged, so that the resident doctor or dentist fully engages with the process.

If a supervisor does refer in, they will be copied into the e mail with the booking link for the initial appointment.

After the case manager initial meeting, no further contact will be made with the supervisor without the individuals permission.

If a supervisor makes the referral and the resident doctor does not book a meeting, the supervisor will be informed, so that other support can be provided

 

What if I don't agree with being referred by my educator?

Our service is voluntary.

If your supervisor refers you in, you do not have to book a meeting- however, your supervisor will be aware of that.

Please come along and have a chat with us and maybe there is some support we can offer- or just a listening ear

 

Can you help with exam failure?

Yes!

Many of our referrals are for exam support.

Our experienced exam support/study skills coaches are able to offer generic support and advice for online and face to face exam formats.

Please note, that they are not clinical, and the support will not be clinical

 

I am worried about returning to work after being away for the last few months - can you help me? 

Yes

We have the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) service and each trust should have a champion and there is one for GPs

More information can be found on their website here

 

This page was last updated February 27th 2026 (12 days ago)