Trainee Doctor and Dentist’s Support Service (TDDSS)

The Trainee Doctors & Dentist Support Service (TDDSS) is a psychoeducation and support service which aims to offer a range of interventions to support trainees on programmes managed by HEE Local Offices in London & the South East.

The service is delivered as part of the PHS+ programme of work, hosted by the NHS Practitioner Health Service.  TDDSS is not commissioned to provide care to doctors or dentists who are unwell or suffering from current mental health concerns. If you are unwell then you will need to contact your GP or work place occupational health, or where eligible you may also access the NHS Practitioner Health Service

Our team are experienced in supporting doctors and dentists at all stages of their training, understand the environment in which you work and are able to assess and design a support programme to meet your individual needs.

The service is confidential and information relating to your individual situation will not be shared with HEE.

Eligibility criteria to access:

For doctors and dentist in England who are training in the following deaneries:

• Health Education North West London
• Health Education South London (South Thames Foundation School)
• Health Education North Central and East London
• Kent, Surrey and Sussex
• Students who are in medical or dental school are not eligible, only those in training grades, but that medical students can see help via the BMA

How to access the service:

Please complete the online registration form. You will then be contacted to arrange a time for a short introductory call.  Please note registration forms are open from 8am -8pm Monday to Friday and 8am -2pm Saturday.

Following completion of your registration, you will either be called by one of our clinicians to discuss your referral or you will be invited to book in for an initial assessment with a lead clinician, which will last up to 60 minutes. We aim to contact you within 5 working days of registration. In the interim period you may wish to consider contacting your GP for support and advice. We are also working collaboratively with staff mental health hubs across the country who can be accessed free of charge.

These hubs are able to refer directly into Practitioner Health following their assessment if needed. Your local hub can be found here

 If you have any difficulties accessing or completing the forms, or would prefer to speak to someone in the service please call us on 0300 0303 300. (Monday – Friday 8am-8pm, Sat 8-2pm)

Support in an emergency or crisis

NHS PH is not a crisis service. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe or at risk to yourself or others, then you should contact 111/999, your own GP or attend your nearest Emergency Department/A&E as soon as possible.

NHSPH does provide a 24/7 crisis text service and you can access this by texting "NHSPH" to 85258.

The Samaritans: 0161 236 8000 (local call charges apply) or 116 123 (free to call) can also be provide confidential support and are open 24 hours a day.

Help with suicidal thoughts 

Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.

Click here