Registrar & Family Support Services

It can be daunting arriving in a new region, with numerous work, administrative and family matters to organise. Coming from an overseas country with differing culture and traditions, medical system and even language presents added challenges.
There are also a range of options for training experiences. It can be a challenge to determine which training experiences best suit your needs.
getGP considers that registrar support is a high priority. Support is provided in settling into Gippsland both on a personal level and on a financial one.
Language and cultural support is provided for those with English as a second language and for those from different cultures.
Medical educators provide advice and guidance for registrars in negotiating their way through training and in making choices in training placements. Formal contacts with medical educators are at orientation and at six monthly training advisor contacts. Advice is also available at other times.
getGP employs a registrar as the ‘Registrar Liaison Officer’(RLO). The RLO is an advocate and support person for registrars.
Support is also available through the Rural Medical Family Network and the Gippsland Divisions of General Practice.
For further advice on support and guidance, please contact Linda Kruger linda.kruger@getgp.net.au

THERE ARE A RANGE OF GROUPS AND SERVICES THAT CAN ASSIST. THEY ARE LISTED BELOW.

Rural Medical Family Network (RMFN) - incorporated Dec 2007.
Another group that is established to provide support is the Rural Family Medical Network (RMFN).
The RMFN is a volunteer organisation formed to help meet the needs of the families of rural GPs. Sharing of difficulties, ideas and information brings families together through their common experiences and bonds. Social and orientation activities can be facilitated through this group.

Contact:
Mrs Gina Lambe
Chief Executive Officer, Rural Medical Family Network, Inc

Level 3, 480 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

Postal Address: PO Box 500 Warrandyte VIC 3113

Ph: +613 8610 6318 Fax: +613 9844 3908
Mobile:0437 497 800

Email: enquiries@rmfn-vic.com Website: www.rmfn-vic.com

RMFN Support Initiatives
for all details see www.rmfn-vic.com

Career Counselling Service for families of rural GPs
Enquiries Tel: 03 9349 7806
RMFN Spouse/Partner (of GP in RRMA 4-7) Education and Training Bursary - available annually and promoted through the RMFN Newsletter 'Country Connections'
Enquiries Tel: 03 9349 7806
Telephone Counselling Service
Tel: 1800 337 068

OVERSEAS TRAINED DOCTORS ASSISTANCE

Rural Workforce Agency Victoria
The Rural Workforce Agency Victoria has the experience and links to be of particular assistance to OTDs, with information on their web site at:
www.rwav.com.au

Victorian Doctors Health Program
A confidential compassionate service for doctors and medical students (or anyone concerned about a doctor) with health/drug and alcohol/mental health concerns. Operates independently from any other organisations.
Confidential Tel: 03 9495 6011
Further information www.vdhp.org.au

Doctors' Health Advisory Service
Independent service with calls handled by a panel of senior GPs experienced in helping colleagues
Tel: 03 9349 3504
Further information www.rwav.com.au/support/support_doctors.asp

Bush Crisis Line
Confidential/anonymous phone debriefing and counselling support service for remote health practitioners and their families. Toll free. Run by qualified psychologists with rural/remote and cross-cultural experience
Tel: 1800 805 391
Further information www.rwav.com.au/support/support_doctors.asp

Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship Australia
An inter-denominational group including medical students
Website: www.cmdfa.org.au

Australian Chinese Medical Association of Victoria
Supports Chinese doctors and students
Website: www.acmav.org

Gippsland Migrant Resource Centre
100-102 Buckley St
Morwell VIC 3840
(03) 5133 7072

GP Divisions
GP Divisions across Australia support GPs in their work. This includes extra support for families. Our local Divisions have prepared Orientation Information for new doctors and their families, which is given or posted to newcomers each year. If you haven't received yours, please inquire through our offices below.

Gippsland's Divisions also help facilitate 'meet and greet' activities for GPs' families. Confidential, immediate crisis counselling services for GPs, and health reviews for GPs done with absolute confidentiality by a GP from outside the region, are also available through some Divisions.

For more information, contact your local Division representative:

Ms Alexei Doherty, Central Gippsland
Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice
3 Ollerton Avenue, Moe, Victoria 3825
PO Box 253, Moe, Victoria 3825
Tel: 03 5126 2899 Fax: 03 5126 2890
Email: adoherty@cwgdogp.com.au

Mr Paul Greenhalgh, South Gippsland
General Practice Alliance (GPA) South Gippsland
11 William Street, Inverloch, Victoria 3996
PO Box 105, Inverloch, Victoria 3996
Tel: 03 5674 3105 Fax: 03 5674 3124
Email: p.greenhalgh@gpasouthgippsland.com.au

Ms Julie Holmes, East Gippsland
East Gippsland Primary Health Alliance
87a Main Street, Bairnsdale, Victoria 3875
PO Box 1210, Bairnsdale, Victoria 3875
Tel: 03 5153 0383 Fax: 03 5153 0384
Email: jholmes@egpha.com.au

Social Activities

Each year getGP runs social activities for our registrars, training practices and their families. These include the Meet and Greet at the beginning of the year and End of Year Dinner. For more information, contact administration staff.

The Rural Workforce Agency (see above) also organises social activities for overseas trained doctors in the region.

Your GP Division or RMFN (see above) can help with get-togethers with partners and family.

Childcare Facilities

Childcare Access Hotline
For information on child care facilities in Gippsland contact 1800 670 305. This will give you a list of accredited child-minding centres in the area.
National Childcare Accreditation Council
For information to assist in selecting the best childcare facility for your children contact 1300 13 6554 or go to their website www.ncac.gov.au
Latrobe City Family Day Care
This service provides information and childcare to people living in the Latrobe Valley. For more information call 1300 36 7700.