The PSU provides one to one, solution-focused coaching and supportive training guidance. This is available for doctors, dentists, and pharmacists on a Welsh Training Programme to maximise training opportunities.
The Professional Support Unit (PSU) is not urgent care or emergency service. If you you need urgent help or are experiencing a crisis, please contact one of the services below:
NHS 111 and press OPTION 2
C.A.L.L. Available 24/7 Tel: 0800 132737 call@callhelpline.wales
The Samaritans, 24hr Support Line and Email Service Tel: 08457 90 90 90
To access free PSU support please complete our online referral form. If you are referring on behalf of a trainee, please ensure you gain their consent so we can engage with them effectively.
Alternatively, you can call 03300 584 211, or +44 3305 584 211 if you're calling from outside the UK.
You can also contact the PSU team via heiw.professionalsupport@wales.nhs.uk.
Learn more about what to expect from the PSU process after you submit a referral.
The Professional Support Unit (PSU) provides confidential, solution-focused support for doctors, dentists and pharmacists on Welsh training programmes. We offer coaching, guidance, specialist referrals and educational support to help Residents, Dental Trainees, and Pharmacy Trainess to overcome challenges, maximise their training opportunities and successfully progress through training. About the Professional Support Unit - HEIW)
PSU services are available to doctors, dentists and pharmacists enrolled on postgraduate training programmes in Wales.
The PSU offers a range of support tailored to individual needs, including:
One-to-one coaching and mentoring
Exam preparation and revision support
Psychological support through external providers
Neurodivergence support
Career guidance
Return to training support
Workshops for trainees and educators
Advice for trainers supporting trainees in difficulty
Many trainees access more than one type of support.
You do not need to wait until you are in difficulty. We encourage trainees to contact us as early as possible if challenges are affecting their wellbeing, confidence, performance or training progression.
Early support often leads to better outcomes.
You can self-refer by completing our online referral form.
Alternatively, you can contact us by:
Telephone: 03300 584 211 (or +44 3300 584 211 from outside the UK)
If someone is referring you, they should obtain your consent before making the referral.
A member of the team will arrange an initial discussion to understand your circumstances and identify the most appropriate support.
Together, you will agree a personalised support plan, which may include coaching, mentoring, exam support, psychological support, career guidance, neurodiversity support or referral to specialist services.
Yes.
The PSU provides a confidential service. Information will only be shared with others following discussion with you and your agreement, unless there is a legal, professional or safety obligation to do so.
You do not need permission from your supervisor, Training Programme Director, employer or Health Board to contact the PSU.
Information is recorded securely in accordance with data protection legislation and HEIW policies.
No.
Engagement with the PSU is voluntary. You may be encouraged to contact us, but the decision to engage with the service remains yours.
Yes.
There is no limit to the number of times you can access PSU support during your training. You can also access more than one service at the same time if appropriate.
If your support has ended and new challenges arise later in training, you are welcome to contact us again.
What exam support does the PSU provide?
The PSU offers support with:
Revision planning
Study strategies
Time management
Exam confidence
Managing exam anxiety
One-to-one coaching
Workshops
Where appropriate, referrals for specialist psychological support may also be available.
We recommend contacting the PSU six to nine months before your examination, or at least 12 weeks beforehand wherever possible.
Yes.
You do not need a formal diagnosis to access PSU support. If you think neurodivergence may be affecting your learning, examinations or workplace performance, we encourage you to contact us as early as possible.
Support is based on your individual needs rather than a diagnosis.
The PSU can provide advice and support for trainees who may be experiencing challenges associated with:
Dyslexia
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Other specific learning differences or neurodevelopmental conditions
Where appropriate, the PSU may refer trainees for a full Educational Psychologist assessment for dyslexia.
Referral is based on an assessment of individual need and eligibility criteria. A positive QuickScan result alone does not automatically result in referral.
QuickScan is an initial screening tool used to identify indicators commonly associated with dyslexia.
It is not a diagnostic assessment. The results help determine whether further support or assessment may be appropriate.
No.
The PSU does not commission or fund assessments for ADHD, autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
However, we can discuss your concerns, provide advice about appropriate assessment pathways and signpost you to relevant services and resources.
If you have a diagnosis of dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia or another neurodevelopmental condition, you should inform the single lead employer (NWSSP), HEIW and your Training Programme Director as early as possible.
This helps ensure reasonable adjustments and appropriate support can be considered throughout your training. A diagnosis is not essential before reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Reasonable adjustments depend on individual needs and may include:
Examination adjustments
Additional processing time
Workplace adaptations
Assistive technology
Enhanced educational supervision
Alternative learning strategies
Adjustments are considered on an individual basis.
The PSU can arrange access to confidential psychological support through external providers where appropriate.
Support may include therapies such as:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Psychotherapy
Psychological support can help with issues including stress, anxiety, burnout, significant life events and workplace challenges.
No.
The PSU is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm or requires urgent mental health support, you should contact:
999
Local mental health crisis service: NHS 111 and press OPTION 2
C.A.L.L. Available 24/7 Tel: 0800 132737 call@callhelpline.wales
Your GP
Local Emergency Department
The PSU can provide ongoing support once immediate needs have been addressed.
Can the PSU help with career planning?
Yes.
The PSU provides confidential career support for trainees considering career options, exploring alternative pathways or managing career uncertainty.
If you have a diagnosis of dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia or another neurodevelopmental condition, you should inform the single lead employer (NWSSP), HEIW and your Training Programme Director as early as possible.
This helps ensure reasonable adjustments and appropriate support can be considered throughout your training. A diagnosis is not essential before reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Reasonable adjustments depend on individual needs and may include:
Examination adjustments
Additional processing time
Workplace adaptations
Assistive technology
Enhanced educational supervision
Alternative learning strategies
Adjustments are considered on an individual basis.
The PSU can arrange access to confidential psychological support through external providers where appropriate.
Support may include therapies such as:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Psychotherapy
Psychological support can help with issues including stress, anxiety, burnout, significant life events and workplace challenges.
No.
The PSU is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm or requires urgent mental health support, you should contact:
999
Local mental health crisis service: NHS 111 and press OPTION 2
C.A.L.L. Available 24/7 Tel: 0800 132737 call@callhelpline.wales
Your GP
Local Emergency Department
The PSU can provide ongoing support once immediate needs have been addressed.
Can the PSU help with career planning?
Yes.
The PSU provides confidential career support for trainees considering career options, exploring alternative pathways or managing career uncertainty.