Supporting doctors in crisis

Supporting doctors in crisis

Flood-affected doctors are encouraged to reach out for financial and emotional assistance.

There is no shame in asking for help.

That’s the message the Medical Benevolent Association of NSW (MBANSW) wants doctors to know, particularly those affected by the recent floods in Northern NSW.

“Quite a few of the doctors we’ve spoken to feel like they can’t share exactly how they feel about what’s happened with those closest to them because they’re trying to keep a strong face for their family and their local community,” said Ida Chan, MBANSW Senior Social Worker.

“You hear stories about amazing resilience – doctors putting others and the community before themselves. Many of them have experienced significant losses personally, for example loss of their home or loss of their practice, yet they were the ones at the evacuation centres helping with immediate first aid and reassuring others and have continued to put on a brave face. To hear them cry and talk about their exhaustion is very humbling.”

The Medical Benevolent Association of NSW (MBANSW) is an independent organisation run by doctors for doctors, that provides counselling and short-term financial assistance through times of crisis, illness, accident, mental health conditions, grief, and loss of income.

In wake of the recent floods, the MBANSW launched a specific ‘’Flood Appeal’’ to assist doctors impacted by the floods and are supporting colleagues both financially and emotionally. 

Their appeal for donations has been extremely successful – MBANSW received more than $75,000 to-date to assist flood-affected colleagues. However, with hundreds of doctors affected and the huge cost involved to rebuild both homes and practices, more is needed to enable them to assist in any meaningful way. 

The MBANSW is currently providing $1,000 support payments to doctors within 24-48 hours of reaching out, to provide immediate relief to those who have suffered significant loss.

“So far, the response from doctors has been really positive. They find it uplifting that we respond so quickly and we’re not putting up a lot of red tape for them to receive that initial support from us,” said MBANSW Executive Officer, Louise Fallon. 

Once MBANSW has a better understanding of the number of doctors that need assistance, they will disperse 100% of funds raised to doctors, assisting them to rebuild their lives and help them stay in these regional areas. Many residents in flood affected areas were uninsured due to it being prohibitive in costs or simply not being available.

Whilst financial assistance and emotional support is available to those affected by the recent floods, MBANSW wants all doctors to know that they are here to support doctors and their families regardless of the situation they are facing that may be causing distress.

“Doctors can contact us at any time, they don’t have to wait until it’s a crisis or until they’ve hit rock-bottom,” Ms Fallon said.

“Our Social Workers provide a safe and confidential space and as we only deal with doctors – that’s what makes us different from other organisations. Doctors are not immune from life stressors and can experience stress for all sorts of normal human reasons. Doctors shouldn’t be thinking, ‘Am I in a crisis? or ‘Am I more worse off than my peers?’ before they reach out. If anything is bothering or concerning to them then that’s enough reason to reach out! Their feelings will always be validated by a professional social worker who understands the unique pressures of being a doctor and can provide a compassionate and listening ear.”

MBANSW are calling out for more donations towards their Flood Appeal. If you’re looking for ways to assist colleagues whose lives, homes, properties, and practices have been affected by these devastating floods please consider donating to MBANSW.

Donations are 100% tax deductible and can be made online or via EFT:

Account Name: Medical Benevolent Association of NSW

Bank: Commonwealth

BSB: 062-272

Account Number: 00901952

Ref: Please use email address (for receipt purposes)

If you, or a fellow colleague, are in need of counselling or financial support, please contact MBANSW to have a confidential discussion with a Social Worker on 02 9987 0504 or support@mbansw.org.au. Don’t ever be afraid to reach out to get specialised help.