12 December 2019
For doctors in need of support or wanting to take a proactive approach to their wellness over the holiday season and throughout 2020, some helpful resources can be found below.
Peer support available over holiday season
The Peer Support Service will be available throughout the holiday period for any doctors needing support and assistance from a colleague. The service can be contacted on 1300 853 338 every day of the year between 8am and 10pm. Volunteer doctors provide a listening ear and support over the phone. All calls are anonymous and confidential. The service is available to any doctor or medical student in Victoria and Tasmania.
New website supporting doctors’ health and wellbeing
A new national website has been launched offering a central coordination point to link doctors and medical students to a range of supports for their own health and wellbeing. The www.drs4drs.com.au website is supported by a network of doctors’ health advisory and referral services operating across Australia; each offering independent, safe, supportive and confidential programs.
DRS4DRS has a large menu of wellbeing strategies and where to find healthcare support, including links to each doctors’ health service, allowing doctors and medical students to find a GP, join a local support network, seek urgent advice, or participate in key events.
Doctors experience a range of barriers when seeking help for their physical health and mental health. The implementation of a national website that brings together a range of information, acting as a ‘one stop shop’ for doctors’ health and wellbeing, aims to break down some of those barriers.
Reducing the fear of mandatory reporting
AHPRA has just released new resources to clarify the obligations of health professionals in relation to making a mandatory notification. In early 2020, the requirements to make a mandatory notification will change. These changes aim to support health practitioners to seek help about their health, without fearing a mandatory notification.