DiT Welfare Subcommittee
The Welfare Subcommittee was formed by the AMA (WA) Doctors in Training Committee in 2015 to promote and protect the welfare of DiTs in Western Australia. We are interested in the welfare of all DiTs from internship through to advanced training.
Our aims are to identify issues that impact on the wellbeing of West Australian DiTs, with the plan to create strategies, link existing support structures and advocate for issues in:
Mental health
Welfare and work life balance
Stress and coping
Drug and Alcohol issues
Physical health
Bullying
Harassment
We feel it is possible to prevent harm and loss of life, improve workplace retention and support, and encourage a culture of healthy, balanced and resilient doctors to act as good patient role models.
Our first general meeting on 7th of January 2016 was well attended by a diverse cross section of DiTs. Group discussion identified some of the contemporary issues experienced by junior staff within specific hospitals and in general health employment.
Coming events will be a symposium and feedback session in July 2016 exploring JMO hospital welfare management and a survey in the second half of the year to further characterise these issues.
DIT Welfare Subcommittee Members:
Ros Forward (Co-chair)
SCGH
RMO
Sarah Newman(Co-chair)
GP
GP Reg
Marie Herd
SCGH
RMO
Anton Lavell
SCGH
RMO
Binu Jayawardena
SCGH
Intern
Maureen Krasnoff
SCGH
Intern
Alwin Lian
RPH
Intern
Andrew Robinson
RPH
Intern
Heidi Shukralla
JHC
O&G RMO
Michael Page(Co-chair DiT committee)
FSH
Path reg
Katy Algie
GP
GP Reg
Rikki Priest
KEMH
RMO
Getting involved:
We are interested to hear from junior doctors, consultants and allied health staff who would like to stay informed or contribute to the project.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
If you are interested in joining our subcommittee, please send us an email.
Keep up to date on issues in DiT welfare, advocacy and industrial action : Like us on Facebook!
Any queries, don’t hesitate to contact us individually or via: dit@amawa.com.au
If you are experiencing any trouble and need advice, please contact:
Doctors Health Advisory Service WA
Formerly AMA Colleague of First Contact
Available 24/7
Ph: (08) 9321 3098
Lifeline
Suicide prevention and Crisis Support
Ph:13 11 14
Suicide Call back service
Free counselling 24/7
Ph: 1300 659 467
Public Hospital Support:
Postgraduate Medical Council of Western Australia (PMCWA)
Primarily funded by the Department of Health, PMCWA aims to provide leadership for early postgraduate medical education and training in Western Australia.
Ph: 9222 2125
PMCWA@health.wa.gov.au
JMO Survival Guide (PGMCWA)
Written by junior doctors for junior doctors includes information and useful contacts, and can be used as a guide for where to go for help or advice. Click here for more information.
WA Public health system Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Professional counseling service available 24/7
Converge International
Ph: 1800 337 068
PPC Worldwide
Ph: 1300 361 008
www.au.ppcworldwide.com
WACHS (Regions)
Contact details for Employee Assistance Program providers vary by region
Ph: 1800 629 028
RACGP members:
24/7 service provides access to free advice and up to three counseling sessions for RACGP members.
ph : 1300 366 789.
General Practice Registrars Australia:
Not-for-profit organisation representing students, prevocational doctors and GP registrars.Handy hints of maintaining wellbeing from the representative body for prevocational doctors
GPRA have a great resource focusing on personal stories and tips from doctors for doctors
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists:
Welfare of Anaesthetists Special Interest Group for Anaesthetists and Anaesthetists in training.
Welfare Officers are in place at each teaching hospital Anaesthetic Department.
Royal Australasian College of Physicians Support Program
24 hr EAP support for RACP members
Guide on survival as a new consultant
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Support Program
EAPs and support contacts for RACS members
Doctors Welfare sites:
DHAS NSW: Junior Doctors Resources
http://www.dhas.org.au/resources/resources-for-junior-medical-officers.htm
Are you ok?: A website to promote the health and wellbeing of junior doctors
http://www.jmohealth.org.au
Support 4 Docs
Information and support for UK doctors
http://www.support4doctors.org/index.php
Australian Medical Students Assocation
www.amsa.org.au/projects/wellbeing/keeping-your-grass-greener/
British Medical Association Doctors Wellbeing site
http://www.bma.org.uk/support-at-work/doctors-well-being
Substance Abuse:
Australian Doctors in Recovery:
Support group also provides contacts for anonymous contact and advice
https://www.idaa.org/sites/adr/
Rural:
Rural Health West Family Support Program
For support of rural doctors and their families
Ph: 6389 4500
Email: FamilySupport@ruralhealthwest.com.au
Mental Health:
Beyond Blue
www.beyondblue.org.au
ph: 1300 224 636
Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit organisation and world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/index.cfm
MindHealthConnect
Government funded site for promotion and support of mental wellbeing
http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au
Sane
helping all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life
https://www.sane.org
Heads up
Site supporting mentally healthy workplaces providing businesses free tools and resources to take action
https://www.headsup.org.au