(updated 9th January 2017)
For Doctors in crisis, or not sure where to go for help with personal or health problems. This totally confidential 24 hr health service is available to all Doctors and Medical Students. It can be contacted by the person themselves, or by a concerned family member, friend, colleague or staff member. Callers do not need to identify themselves. It consists of a panel of experienced male and female GPs, and is independent, reporting back to no medical organisation. Calls are exempt from the mandatory reporting requirements of the Medical Board of Australia.
Problems dealt with include stress, depression, suicidal thought, substance abuse, grief or concerns about illness. Sometimes the contact can be about impaired performance in a colleague. The panel of GPs usually discuss the options available to callers when they are faced with a dilemma, or advise the caller on the most appropriate referral services.
Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Phone: (08) 9321 3098
Website: www.dhaswa.com.au
The DHAS WA will be holding a Doctors for Doctors Workshop on Saturday 6th May, 2017.
Topics covered will include:
For further information and to rsvp online: https://www.amawa.com.au/event/doctors-for-doctors-workshop-2017/
It is recommended all medical students and doctors have their own GP. If you do not know any GPs then it may be helpful to ask family or friends for a recommendation. If you are new to a suburb then the local pharmacist will know who the GPs in the area are. The following website also has a fairly comprehensive listing of GPs https://healthengine.com.au/. If you are having difficulty finding a GP or have special health needs then you can ring DHAS WA for a recommendation. The Health Engine website also has a fairly comprehensive listing of GPs.
Health Engine Website: www.healthengine.com.au
Medical Education Unit staff members are available if you need to chat about a range of issues, both professional and personal, during office hours. Most hospitals have their own medical education unit and will be available to help you with any concerns.
Website: http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/About-us/Postgraduate-Medical-Council/Education-and-Training/Medical-Education-Officers
JMO Health is a website developed by the Doctors' Health Advisory Service NSW to promote the health and wellbeing of junior doctors and contains many useful resources including self assessment tools and tips to reduce stress.
Website: www.jmohealth.org.au
This 24/7 service provides access to free advice and up to three counselling sessions for RACGP members.
GP Support: 1300 366 789
For rural Doctors and their families
Phone: 6389 4500
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Employee Assistance Program is intended to help you deal with personal or work related problems that might be having a negative effect on your health, well-being and work performance. As a WA Health Employee, you are entitled to access a number of sessions with a counsellor for free. This professional, independent and confidential service is available 24/7.
Converge International
Phone: on 1300 687 327
Website: www.convergeinternational.com.au
and
Optum
Phone: 1300 361 008
Website: www.optum.com.au
Welfare Officers are in place at each teaching hospital Anaesthetic Department.
Phone: 08 6188 4555 (WA Branch) or Dr Prani Shrivastava 0434 843 055
Website: http://www.anzca.edu.au/fellows/special-interest-groups/welfare-of-anaesthetists/introduction.html
Lifeline is a 24/7 national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to online, phone and face-to-face crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Phone: 13 11 44
Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/get-help-home
Beyond Blue is a 24/7 service that assists people who are experiencing anxiety, depression or any other mental health issues. A trained mental health professional will take your call, listen to you, offer support, and point you in the right direction.
Phone: 1300 224 636
Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support
The Alcohol & Drug Information Service is a confidential, non-judgemental 24/7 helpline for anyone seeking assistance with alcohol or other drug use. Professional drug and alcohol counsellors will listen to your concerns and provide emotional support, provide you with information about all aspects of alcohol and other drug use, treatment options, agencies, and where you can access ongoing support.
Phone: 08 9442 500 (metro) or 1800 198 024 (country)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.dao.health.wa.gov.au/Gettinghelp/24HourAlcoholAndDrugSupportLines.aspx
Further information on Doctor's health in Australia may be obtained from the following sites:
For Medical Students: http://mentalhealth.amsa.org.au/keeping-your-grass-greener/
Australasian Doctors' Health Network: www.adhn.org.au
The Doctor's Health Advisory Service in WA (DHAS WA) has compiled this list of resources. For queries, or to add resource information to this list, contact Dr Elizabeth Connor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Members of DHAS are also available to give talks to medical groups on Doctors health.
The Doctors' Health Advisory Service Western Australia is an independant service supported through funding from the Medical Board of Australia
© Doctors Health Advisory Service 2018
