Developing a standards to support the psychological health and safety of doctors

Health Minister Greg Hunt has asked the AMA, the Black Dog Institute (BDI), Orygen, United Synergies and the Hunter Institute of Mental Health to progress the Caring for those who care: Preventing anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviour among Australia’s medical workforce (C4C) project.

This follows Minister Hunt’s announcement at the AMA National Conference in Melbourne that the Government would invest in mental health programs for doctors. Following his announcement, the AMA has confirmed that as part of a broader $47 million suicide prevention initiative, the Government will provide $500,000 to specifically support mental health and reduce suicide in the health workforce, with matching funding from the BDI. This funding is to develop research trials and broader translational research to address the needs of those who provide care in our health services, with a specific focus on junior doctors and medical staff.  Stay tuned for more.