About the 24/7 Helpline

DHQ provides an independent, confidential, colleague-to-colleague support service to assist doctors and medical students.

Staffed by volunteer senior GP’s with experience in doctors’ health.

How does it work?

When you call the Helpline, an agent at our paging service will answer your call. They will ask you for a name and contact number on which our on call GP can reach you.

Please note that the Helpline is not a crisis line. DHQ assists doctors and students by providing a first point of contact to discuss their concerns and to provide support and advice, in a non-judgmental and confidential space.

This telephone helpline is staffed by senior General Practitioners, supported by specialists experienced in assisting colleagues suffering from a wide range of health or stress-related problems.

DHQ does not provide clinical treatment. Its role is to assist those calling so that they can access the right care and help them make appropriate arrangements for treatment within existing services, when required.

DHQ’s service is provided at no cost to the practitioner because our helpline is staffed by volunteers. For some callers, the problem may be effectively addressed with a single call. If subsequent treatment is provided by other practitioners, then costs are decided in the usual manner, between the person seeking treatment and the provider. Having the opportunity to speak with a colleague or counsellor who understands doctors’ health issues and the many demands and stresses of balancing work and lifestyle as a health practitioner, can be very helpful.

If you are experiencing a crisis, urgent crisis support is available at:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Beyondblue – 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

TELL ME ABOUT THE HELPLINE:

The DHQ helpline is free, confidential and available 24/7 to all QLD-based doctors and medical students.

FREE?! WHAT’S THE CATCH?

There is no catch. DHQ’s helpline service is provided at no cost thanks to our team of volunteer on-call GPs.

DO I NEED TO SIGN UP OR BECOME A MEMBER?

No. The helpline is available to all QLD-based doctors and medical students.

WHO WILL I SPEAK TO?

The confidential helpline is staffed by trained senior General Practitioners trained and experienced in supporting medical colleagues suffering from a wide range of health and stress-related problems. We can also help you to access appropriate additional services, when required. Please note, whilst we aim to return your call straight away, our on-call GPs may be seeing patients, which may in some cases result in a delay of a couple of hours before your call is returned.

WHAT DO PEOPLE CALL ABOUT?

A whole range of issues and circumstances. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Workplace and study stress
• Personal difficulties and mental health matters
• Bullying and harassment
• Help finding an appropriate GP, specialist or psychologist
• Debriefing following clinical incidents, medical errors and complaints
• Support when facing medico-legal or mandatory reporting concerns (alongside support from an MDO)

WHAT ABOUT EMERGENCIES?

This is not an emergency service.

Urgent crisis support is available at:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636