Peer Support Program

Overview

Peer Support Program is a dedicated resource to support junior medical staff with health and wellbeing matters. The program is delivered by trained junior medical staff who have volunteered to provide an empathic ear to peers who may be struggling with personal, training, work, health or other life problems. Junior medical staff experiencing any of these issues are encouraged to directly contact a Peer Supporter for a confidential discussion and assistance in finding the right resources to address the issue. Peer Supporters have received formalised training and are supported by Coaches, who are senior doctors and nursing staff.

To read further about Monash Health’s complete Health & Wellbeing Program please visit the Monash Care website available on the intranet

http://intranet/monashcare/index.html (please note link will only work onsite as internal intranet page)

Resources for Peer Supporters

Existing Peer Supporters can access further resources here, including the contact log, and peer support training manual. Please note that this page is password protected – if you require access, please contact the Medical Administration Registrar.

Peer Supporter Resources

FAQs

Are discussions with Peer Supporters confidential?

Peer Supporters are legally required to follow the confidentiality principles common to all healthcare professionals. They are trained to ensure all reasonable measures are taken to avoid identification of any person in any or all Peer Support reports and/or discussions.

The only exception to breaching confidentiality is if there is reasonable belief that the person is in danger of causing harm to themselves or others and that disclosure is required to prevent the harm.

How should I contact a Peer Supporter?
You should email a Peer Supporter below to arrange a time to meet in-person to discuss any issues?

Alternatively, if you work with a Peer Supporter, talk directly to them about setting aside some time to discuss your issues.

What issues can I discuss with a Peer Supporter?
You can discuss any issue that you may be challenging you. Commonly, people discuss issues relating to work, health, social stressors, bullying or harassment.

What should I do if I need additional help?
If you would like additional help, you can contact the Monash Doctors Wellbeing Officer (Rosemary McKemmish) on 0427 409 310, Monash Health People Assist Program on 1300 687 327, and/or Victorian Doctors Health Program on 9495 6011.

In addition, Dr Anjali Dhulia (Director of Medical Services) and Dr Abi Arulanandarajah (Medical Administration Registrar) are available to provide support.

Interested in becoming a Peer Supporter?

How to become a Peer Supporter?

Peer Supporters are volunteers who offer up their time to help peers. To become a Peer Supporter a 3 hour mandatory training course (paid for by Monash Doctors) must be undertaken to learn necessary key skills required to offer Peer Support.

For further information on becoming a Peer Supporter or for any other enquiries, please contact Dr Abi Arulanandarajah, Medical Administration Registrar via email at Abi.arulanandarajah@monashhealth.org