Fiona Stanley Hospital doctors Liam Bibo and Alexandra Richards with some of the therapy dogs.
Camera IconFiona Stanley Hospital doctors Liam Bibo and Alexandra Richards with some of the therapy dogs. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson.

Fiona Stanley Hospital doctors take break from ruff work schedule to play with therapy dogs

Aaron CorlettMelville Gazette

FIONA Stanley Hospital doctors pressed “paws” on their work for a good cause yesterday.

Therapy dogs from the Delta Society visited the hospital to give junior doctors a well-deserved break and to highlight the stress they were under.

FSH resident medical officer Alexandra Richards, who organised the event, said the idea of the get together was to destigmatise the mental health issues that doctors faced.

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“Mental health for doctors can be bad and it’s a difficult issue for them to raise with other doctors because they can be reported,” she said.

“We sometimes work 15 hour shifts so it’s difficult to get help if you need it.

Behind the scenes: photographer Jon Hewson captures Fiona Stanley Hospital doctors Liam Bibo and Alexandra Richards with some of the therapy dogs.

“Mental health issues come from the environment and the circumstance that doctors are in.”

Dr Richards said she believed the tide was turning in favour of doctors recognising and dealing with mental health issues.

“We’ve organised lots of different events to help doctors with their mental health,” she said.

“The response we’ve received is lovely, it’s been very positive.

“My advice for anyone facing mental health issues is to get help.”