Doctors' Health Advisory Service (NSW)
Background
Administration
The Help Line
Confidentiality is a prime concern
 
Doctors' Health Advisory Service (NSW) 
The DHAS (NSW) aims to ensure that no NSW doctor, dentist, veterinarian or undergraduate in these professions lacks access to health care.

We operate a telephone Help Line and are available to provide personal advice to practitioners in difficulties. We also provide health promotion and educational information through our web site and we lecture to interested groups.

The advice is used mostly in relation to drug and alcohol problems, stress and mental illness, or personal and financial difficulties. No problem is too trivial or too serious.

We believe that all practitioners and students should have their own general practitioner, should not dismiss their own symptoms and should consult that doctor if they are unwell. We encourage the pursuit of a healthy life-style.
 
Background 
The need to help colleagues with personal and health problems has long been appreciated by the medical profession.

With the support of the Medical Benevolent Association of New South Wales and the Australian Medical Association (NSW), the Service began in 1982.

We now assist NSW dentists and veterinarians and students in all three professions.

Other than receiving financial support from the NSW Medical Board, the Australian Medical Association (NSW), the Australian Dental Association (NSW), the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW and the Dental Board of NSW, we operate independently of all medical, dental and veterinarian professional bodies, including the registration boards.
 
Administration
The Service, located in St Leonards, is managed by a Committee comprising ten doctors, a dentist, a veterinarian and a social worker. Almost thirty General Practitioners are accredited to answer calls. They are backed up by appropriate specialists and other health-care professionals. Enquiries about the Service may be made to 9902 8135 or by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
The Help Line 
A dedicated telephone service is available 24 hours a day on (02) 9437 6552.

Incoming callers are put in contact with one of a panel of senior medical practitioners experienced in handling such problems. The caller is then offered advice over the phone, and, if necessary, recommended to consult a GP, a specialist, or other professional.
 
Confidentiality is a prime concern 
The Service does not collect any identifiable data. The Service is advisory in nature only. As soon as a practitioner enters into a therapeutic relationship with a treating physician or therapist, the role of the DHAS ceases. Appropriate confidentiality is maintained at all times.

In exceptional circumstances, if the management committee becomes aware that a practitioner’s behaviour could be a clear and present danger to themselves or the public, the Management Committee may, to ensure that person’s and the public’s safety, authorise notification to an appropriate statutory authority.