Denplan is introducing support measures to help member dentists and their staff deal with financial, health and personal issues during the COVID-19 crisis. During these unprecedented and difficult times, access to health and wellbeing services are of utmost importance.
The dental payment plan provider, which is part of Simplyhealth, is offering member dentists and their employees free access to a 24/7 GP service and Employee Assistance Programme. This is part of the Simplyhealth cash plan.
The virtual GP service is accessible 24/7, to provide advice, reassurance, diagnosis, medication and referrals, when customers need it.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are intended to help employees deal with personal problems. These problems might adversely impact their work performance, health and wellbeing. Support is available in areas such as financial concerns and dealing with stress. Where clinically appropriate this service can also include short-term structured counselling.
Catherine Rutland, clinical director at Simplyhealth, said: ‘We have been listening to the concerns of our dental practices and members. We feel that this is an excellent way to offer our support. The services are easy to access and availability is around the clock as we recognise that in times of stress, people need support at any hour of the day. The health and wellbeing of our member dentists and their staff is a priority for us. We want to be there at a time when dental practitioners are facing many new challenges as well as looking after their businesses and staff.’
The Simplyhealth support services are available to all practice staff employed by practices with Denplan products, free of charge. The offer is also available to furloughed staff as they still remain in contract with their employers.
These services are available for a three-month period until 31 July.
More about the Simplyhealth GP service
Dentists and practice teams will have unlimited access to the Simplyhealth mobile application to book online video appointments with a GP 24/7. The mobile application allows them to search for appointments, review the profiles of the GPs and see a range of appointment dates and times.
They will also be able to access their consultation history and the GP’s notes through the application. This provides them with instant access to their Simplyhealth medical consultation records.
Practice teams that register for the service can also access an online video physiotherapy triage service to advise on the best course of action, should the patient have any other aches and pains that may not necessitate a GP call.
More about the Employee Assistance Programme
EAP will give practice teams unlimited access to a 24/7 advice and counselling helpline to provide support with any issues they may be facing. This ‘in the moment’ support can be used for a variety of issues, including (but not limited to):
- Health and lifestyles issues including smoking and weight loss
- Support with renting or conveyancing (house buying/selling) questions
- Legal concerns
- Child and elder care advice
- Emotional support
- Stress assessment and management
- Marital changes.
For full information on accessing the GP and EAP service, practice teams should email [email protected].
