Doctors' Health SA
In South Australia, we are building something new to improve the health of the medical profession.
This fully independent, profession-controlled organisation has grown out of the efforts of many doctors and health leaders with a common desire to achieve a healthier profession and a healthier community.
A chronology of events shows the steady development of the unique SA model:
- 2006: Formation of SA Doctors’ Health Working group
- 2007: SA State-wide Doctors’ Health Survey
- 2008: Formulation of the SA program model
- 2009: Profession-wide consultation; National Doctors’ Health Conference, Adelaide
- 2010: Medical Board assets become available;
- 2010: Doctors’ Health SA constituted as Company Limited by guarantee with AMA and RDWA as inaugural members
- 2010: Board of Doctors Health SA appointed; appointment of company Secretary
- 2011: Medical Director appointed; premises secured at 327 South Terrace, Adelaide
DHSA has identified 2500 doctors in SA without a doctor (45% of the profession) and clear support for a doctors’ health program which offers:
- check-ups
- web-based health information
- access to after-hours services
- a larger network of ‘doctor-friendly’ clinics for the ongoing GP care of doctors and students without a doctor.
This program will enhance the special skills of those GPs undertaking the task of assessing and managing the health of doctors through our doctors’ training seminar series.
Our new premises are located at 327 South Terrace and will be the new focal point for doctors’ health in SA and assist the profession to find a doctor-of-choice.
Clinical services will commence on April 11, 2012. The program will initially offer comprehensive after-hours check-ups in the new city clinic and easier access to the state-wide network of GPs and health professionals associated with the program.
The program will offer a new, professional and confidential service to maintain our profession at peak-performance.
We are keenly seeking broad input from the profession to improve the program as it evolves.
