Northern Ireland remains the only region in the UK and Ireland without a commissioned mental health service for doctors. Bestselling author and former NHS doctor Adam Kay visited Belfast on Tuesday to back demands for such a service.

Kay met with leaders from the Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland. He described the lack of provision as a major gap that needs quick fixes. He pointed to elevated burnout and suicide rates among NHS staff.

Statistics show 26% of doctors in Northern Ireland at high burnout risk, exceeding the UK average of 18%. Some 54% report weekly issues in providing proper patient care, compared to 40% UK-wide. For GPs, the figure reaches 60%.

Dr Emma Murtagh, Vice Chair of RCGP NI, noted doctors face ongoing work and personal strains from long patient lists and high deprivation. Dr Ursula Mason, Chair of RCGP NI, said doctors lack routes to private support.

Doctors in Distress started services in Northern Ireland in 2025. Mary-Jane Roberts, its Chief Executive, stated current doctor needs go unmet absent full funding. Dr Rose McCullagh, Belfast GP and charity ambassador, called for joint efforts on a lasting service.

Leaders indicate inaction risks added pressure on patient services region-wide.