FAQs

Q: I am in financial difficulty and need some help and advice.  Can the RMBF help me?

A: Please call our case work department on 0208 540 9194 and select option 1.  Our team of case workers will be able to discuss your circumstances with you and see if you meet our eligibility criteria for financial assistance.

Q: Im a recently qualified F1 and have just started a new job. Whilst I was a student, I accrued large debts and am still struggling to pay these off.  Is there an organisation who can advise me?

A: Try contacting National Debtline on 0808 808 4000.  Alternatively, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service  is a registered charity who offer free and confidential online debt advice, money advice, and a helpline on 0800 138 1111. 

Q: Im a doctor and have just been informed that a patient has made a formal complaint against me.  Can the RMBF advise?

A: The BMA or one of the medical defence organisations (the MPS, the MDU, or the MDDUS) can advise on the next steps and on how they may be able to help you.  Please note that help is available for members only.

Q: Health problems have meant that I've had to give up working as a doctor.  Do you know which benefits I can claim?

A: There are a number of disability/ill-health benefits available.  Information is available from the Department of Work and Pensions website or by ringing the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200

Q: My father, who was a doctor, needs to move to a nursing home.  Can you help?

A: If you, or someone close to you, needs to live in a home (and needs financial help), you should first contact your Social Services Department. If they decide that going into a care home is your best option, they will :

• help you choose the care home which is best for you

• work out if you can afford to pay towards the cost of the home

• arrange to pay the home's fees if you cannot afford to pay them yourself.

Q: I am a full-time carer for my wife and need a rest.  Can you help me find a suitable respite care place?

A: Again, Social Services needs to be your first port of call.  They can help you choose the most suitable respite care centre and talk through funding with you.

To contact your local Social Services Department, look under the name of your County Council, Borough Council or, in some areas, new Unitary Authority, or London Borough.  If you live in Scotland, look under the name of your Regional or Island Council.  You may be able to find out about other local organisations that can help from the phone book, your local library or a doctors surgery.  Alternatively, you can contact Carers UK by calling Freephone: 0808 808 7777, Wednesday - Thursday 10.00 am - 4.00 pm or visiting the Carers UK website

Tel (Helpline - Voice): 0800 882200
Tel (Helpline - Text): 0800 243355
Fax: 01772 238953
Telephone: 8.30am - 6.30pm, Monday - Friday; 9am - 1pm Saturday
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk/

The Benefits Enquiry Line is a benefits help line for people with disabilities, their carers and representatives. It is part of the Department for Work and Pensions. They offer confidential advice and information on benefits and how to claim them. In addition to giving advice they are also able to send out an extensive range of leaflets and claim packs to customers. As a national service they serve the whole of England, Scotland and Wales.  Their number is 0800 882 200.