Doctors In Secondary Schools is a partnership between Bendigo Community Health Services, Murray Primary Health Network and the Victorian Government’s Department of Education and Training.

What is the Doctors In Secondary Schools Program and how can this help me?

The Doctors in Secondary Schools Program offers care, assessment and information on issues such as general health, mental health and wellbeing or sexual health for students.

Some of the reasons you might want to visit the clinic are:

• A general health question or concern.
• A need to understand a health issue better.
• You haven’t been able to see a doctor.
• Just not feeling great.
• Emotional concern.
• A sexual health issue or question.
• An infection, sprain or strain.
• To get a blood test.
• A need for a referral

Does my school take part in the Doctors In Secondary Schools Program?

The following schools host a Bendigo Community Health Services clinic at present:

• Wedderburn College.
• Crusoe College.
• Eaglehawk Secondary College.
• Weeroona College Bendigo.
• Kerang Technical High School.
• St Arnaud Secondary College.

Please check www.bchs.com.au to see if any new schools have been added to the original list.

How do I access the clinic?

The Doctors in Secondary Schools Program is available to students of a host school and is designed to improve access to healthcare for adolescent health issues.

Students are welcome to drop into the clinic during morning tea or lunch for a chat.

How much does it cost to attend the clinic?

The Doctors In Secondary Schools Program is bulk-billed so it's free for students to attend.

How do I make a booking?

You can make an appointment through the school or by calling BCHS on 5434 4300.

PLEASE NOTE: Only students from participating schools can make an appointment for the Doctors in Secondary Schools Program.

Can I make a booking online?

Yes, you can book online at www.bchs.com.au by clicking on the appointment bar at the top of the homepage. Please make sure you select only GPs who are part of the Doctors In Secondary Schools Program and double check they will be attending your school on that day. Please be aware when you book online a reminder SMS will be sent 24 hours before your appointment to the mobile number you provide.

Is my appointment confidential?

Yes, all care provided through the Doctors In Secondary Schools Program is confidential.

BCHS follows strict privacy laws.

What sort of feedback do you get about Doctors In Secondary Schools?

Here's some of the feedback we have received from students and schools about the Doctors In Schools program?

"It’s so good to be able to see the doctor and not have to miss any school."

"Having the appointments has really helped me, as it has given me exercises and strategies to deal with my anxiety."

"There is a lot going on for young people, sometimes it’s hard to make decisions. I have been able to learn some techniques to help me and have been able to be more positive."

What if my school isn't involved in the Doctors In Secondary Schools program?

Bendigo Community Health Services offers services for young people in areas such as mental health, sexual and reproductive health and general health.

You can access one of our bulk-billed medical clinics at Eaglehawk, Central Bendigo or Kangaroo Flat by calling our Client Services staff during business hours on 5448 1600.

You can book online at anytime by visiting www.bchs.com.au and clicking on the appointment bar at the top of the homepage.

BCHS has a sexual and reproductive health clinic, women’s health clinic and men’s health clinic at our Central Bendigo and Eaglehawk sites.

headspace Bendigo supports young people aged between 12 and 25 from the Bendigo site at 78-80 Pall Mall. Call headspace on (03) 5434 5345.

What else does Bendigo Community Health Services offer my family and I?

Bendigo Community Health Services is a place you can go for health care, no matter who you are, where you live or how much you earn.

We are a not-for-profit organisation with more than 50 health and wellbeing services available mostly free of charge but some at minimal cost.

Our main services include bulk-billed medical practices, men’s health, women’s health, allied health, child and family services, settlement services, sexual health, mental health and counselling, alcohol and other drugs.

Learn all about our services at www.bchs.com.au