Staff psychology service

How can we help? 

The Staff Psychology Service provides psychological support to individuals and teams around issues relating to their work. We offer team and one to one support to staff working across Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

• Skip to team support

Individual support

We can offer a psychological consultation, support and sign-posting service for individual staff experiencing work related stress, distress or uncertainty, or who would like some space and support to think through the impact of a particular work issue, difficulty, or incident. We currently accept both self-referrals and referrals from managers (where consent for the referral has been given).

Please read the information below before completing a referral form. 

Please note: We will contact you via your nhs.net email address once a referral form has been submitted—please ensure you check your email regularly for our correspondence.

Meeting with a Psychologist

We aim to respond to your referral to arrange an initial meeting with one of our Practitioner Psychologists within two weeks of receiving your referral. Depending on your needs, we can offer up to six one-to-one appointments. Our psychologists offer specialist and evidence-based support and can provide a space to help make sense of your experience and identify what might help going forwards.

In some circumstances, we may discuss other ways of getting help, if we think another approach or service would better meet your needs. 

Appointments can be offered face-to-face or by video call and are available Monday to Friday between 9–5. 

Is what I talk about confidential?

Our individual sessions offer a confidential space for staff to seek support. We would not share information with your GP or with HR or your manager unless we are concerned for your safety or the safety of others (or unless we agree together that this would be helpful). In such circumstances, where we may be legally required to share information, we would always try to discuss this with you beforehand. 

The Staff Psychology service is provided by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. We are dedicated to safeguarding and preserving your privacy. For more information on what happens to any personal data that you provide to us or that we collect from you please see our privacy policy for this service.

Where else can I get help?

We primarily support staff with issues relating to work and the emotional impact of work. If you have been experiencing on-going or pre-existing mental health difficulties which are primarily unrelated to work, then you can seek a referral to your local mental health service via your GP or local offerings such as Keeping Well North West London. 

We are not part of the occupational health service and are not able to advise on fitness to work issues or assessments.

What should I do if I need help urgently?

If you need to speak to someone about your mental health urgently you should contact your GP surgery and request a same day appointment or call your local crisis team. In an emergency situation i.e. if you do not feel able to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department. The Staff Psychology Service is not a crisis service and is unable to provide urgent help.

To find out more about the Staff Psychology Service, and any of the offerings we provide please contact us at staffpsychchelwest@nhs.net. You may also see our psychologists offering drop-in sessions around the hospital or in other settings such as Schwartz Rounds. Please do come and speak to us to find out more about how we can support you and your team.

Team support

The Staff Psychology Service offer a range of interventions and support sessions for teams and staff groups to come together to address the pressures and emotional impact of their work collectively. All team and group sessions can be requested by managers and team leaders. A post event team reflection (psychological debrief) can be requested by any staff member. Sessions we offer include:

• Post event team reflection (psychological debrief): These sessions are for teams impacted by a distressing incident at work. We provide a facilitated space where colleagues can support each other whilst discussing the emotional impact of the event—read more.
• Psychoeducational workshops and courses: Our bite sized talks, interactive workshops and short courses on a range of topics (such as stress, compassionate self care, sleep, introduction to mindfulness) are offered with the aim of helping staff develop tools to promote and nurture their wellbeing.
• Reflective groups and team check-ins: We can facilitate groups where staff come together and take some time out with colleagues with the aim of listening to each other, connecting and having a space to think together about their experiences at work and the emotional impact of these experiences.
• PITSTOP hot debrief training: PITSTOP is a quick hot debrief tool for aiding team reflection, supporting staff wellbeing and optimising patient care following a stressful or distressing event at work. We provide half-day PITSTOP facilitator training for staff.
• Support for managers: Teaching, training and short courses for managers on topics such as compassionate leadership and supporting staff and team wellbeing. These sessions also provide space for managers to reflect on their own wellbeing.
• Away day sessions: We can also provide support for your away day or team event, with sessions designed to help teams connect & think about shared values and aims. 

How do I arrange team support?

Email us at staffpsychchelwest@nhs.net and we will arrange a conversation to better understand your needs and discuss next steps.

Further information

To find out more about the Staff Psychology Service and any of our offerings, please contact us at staffpsychchelwest@nhs.net. You may also see our psychologists offering check-in sessions around our hospitals and clincis, and in other settings such as Schwartz Rounds. Please do come and speak to us to find out more about how we can support you and your team.

Statement of inclusivity

We are committed to providing excellent care for all, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or identity. We acknowledge the need for diversity and equity in healthcare and actively aim to create a safe, welcoming and non-discriminatory environment for every person who seeks our support. We welcome your feedback and accountability as we strive to provide the highest standard of care for everyone.