Avant believes that to maintain their health and wellbeing, doctors need to have access to appropriate support and services. Avant provides resources, support and advice tailored specifically to the needs of Australian doctors - to help you better face the challenges of a career in medicine and provide the highest level of care to your patients. Some of these supports and services are identified below and can be accessed via the details provided.
Expert medico-legal advisers provide medico-legal advice and support to Avant members on a range of issues. Avant’s Medico-Legal Advisory Service is staffed by senior solicitors and is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week in emergencies.Contact: 1800 128 268
Avant's Personal Support Program (PSP) provides a range of support options to Avant members who are suffering health issues. A central plank is six sessions of confidential, external counselling provided by Benestar, a leading global provider of corporate psychology services.
The counselling service offers objective psychological support and the provision of coping skills for a range of work-related issues such as work stress, issues with patients, personal issues relating to anxiety or depression, and legal issues around medico-legal complaints. Options available include face to face counselling, phone support or video counselling.Contact: 1300 360 364
Doctors' Health Advisory Services provide independent, confidential advice to medical practitioners and students. The services provide colleague to colleague support on an anonymous basis for practitioners who are experiencing difficulties.
ACTDRS4DRS ACTHelpline: 1300 374 37724-hour phone assistanceama.com.au/act/drs4drsact
NSWDoctors' Health NSW24-hour phone assistanceHelpline: 02 9437 6552doctorshealth.org.au
QueenslandDoctors' Health in Queensland (DHQ)24-hour phone assistanceHelpline: 07 3833 4352dhq.org.au
South AustraliaDoctors' Health SA24-hour phone assistanceHelpline: 08 8366 0250http://doctorshealthsa.com.au/Find a GP near you who treats medical professionals: doctorshealthsa.com.au/find-a-gp
TasmaniaDRS4DRS TasmaniaHelpline: 1300 374 37724-hour phone assistanceama.com.au/tas/drs4drstas
VictoriaVictorian Doctors' Health ProgramHelpline: 1300 330 543vdhp.org.au
Western AustraliaDoctors' Health Advisory Service WA24-hour phone assistanceHelpline: 08 9321 3098dhaswa.com.au
Northern TerritoryDoctors' Health NT is a program of Doctors' Health SA24-hour phone assistanceHelpline: 08 8366 0250doctorshealthnt.com.au
Australasian Doctors' Health Networkadhn.org.au
DRS4DRS1300 374 377(1300 DR4DRS)24-hour phone assistancedrs4drs.com.au
Wellbeing support options for rural doctors
Bush Support Line:1800 805 39124 hours per daycrana.org.au
Support for Rural Specialists in Australia:02 9256 5496ruralspecialist.org.au
Rural Doctors' Association of AustraliaMembers can access counselling services 24/7 (EAP program)02 6239 7730rdaa.com.au
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine:Members can access 24/7 support (EAP program)1800 818 728acrrm.org.au
Rural Doctors' Association of Queensland07 3221 4444support program for members and some practitioners undertaking rural practicerdaq.com.au
NSW Rural Doctors' Network:Support and outreach services for NSW's rural health workforce: ruralhealthtogether.info02 4924 8000nswrdn.inforuralhealthtogether.info
"NSW Rural Health Family Support" by NSW Rural Doctors NetworkSupport and assistance to rural medical families in NSW, and assistance to medical students interested in experiencing rural general practice.02 4924 8000
National Rural Health Student Network:02 8337 8100nrhsn.org.au
A number of organisations offer confidential peer support for medical practitioners. Many practitioners find it beneficial to discuss their concerns on an anonymous, confidential basis with another medical professional with whom they do not work directly, and yet understands the stressors of the medical profession. A non-exhaustive list of some examples follows:
Many of the medical colleges and societies have support services and resources available to support their members. Contact your college or society for details.
Medical Benevolent Associations provide independent counselling, information, referral, support and some financial assistance to doctors and their families during times of need or adversity. Sessions are free and all information will remain strictly confidential. They are funded by doctors for the benefit of doctors and their families.
Key Support Services Brochure
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