Support services

Brisbane Docs 4 Docs Register

GPs, give your personal health the priority it deserves; find yourself a good doctor who can provide independent advice to help you manage your healthcare. The Brisbane Docs 4 Docs Register is a listing of GPs who are willing to see other doctors as patients. To access the Register, you will need a user ID and password. Request a user ID and password or telephone 07 3630 7309 (during working hours).

We need more Docs 4 Docs! Join the Brisbane Docs 4 Docs Register to help us continue to provide this invaluable service. All the commitment you need is to be a GP! To register, complete the consent form.

RACGP GP Support Program - 1300 366 789 or crisis  counselling 1800 451 138

Fee service for RACGP members. Provides help with a wide range of issues including work pressures, conflict, grief and loss, relationships, anxiety and depression, alcohol and drug issues and traumatic incidents.

Doctors' Health Advisory Service - ph 07 3833 4352

A dedicated 24 hour telephone service available to help doctors, dentists, pharmacists or veterinarians with difficult health problems. DHAS is independent of all other medical and dental organisations and will not report medical practitioners to the Medical Boards. Confidentiality is paramount. Calls are referred to a panel of experienced GPs.

Medical Board of Queensland Health Assessment & Monitoring Unit - ph 07 3234 0183

The Health Assessment and Monitoring Program is separate from the disciplinary and conduct programs of the Medical Board of Queensland. The Program aims to protect the public and to intervene with expert advice and experience to help medical practitioners stay in the workforce wherever possible. Phone the Medical Advisor for confidential advice.

Alcohol & Drug Information Services - ph 07 3236 2414 or 1800 177 833 (outside Brisbane)

24 hour telephone counselling and information service. Information on alternative service providers (government, non-government and private) in the alcohol and drug field.

Bush Crisis Line - ph 1800 805 391

A confidential telephone support and debriefing service available 24 hours a day for multi-disciplinary remote and rural health practitioners and their families and is staffed by qualified psychologists with remote and rural cross-cultural experience.

Guidelines on health and safety

Policy on Medical Practitioners Treating Family, Friends, Colleagues and Self - Medical Board of Queensland, Feb 2009

Safety and Security Kit for General Practice - Dandenong Casey General Practice Association, 2008
General Practice - A safe place: Tips and Tools (RACGP, 2009)
GP and practice team safety (RACGP resources)

Reading

Keeping the doctor alive - RACGP guidebook for medical practitioners with resources on strategies for self care as an essential element of your professional life. Order from the RACGP.
Managing Risks of Fatigue (AMA) 
Medical Journal of Australia - doctor's health and wellbeing feature, 2004
Ontario Physician Health Program - check their 'Articles' section for interesting and practical tips, including the 'Building Health Attitudes & Coping Strategies" 12-step series
GP Health & Wellbeing: The issues explored (January 2000)