| VETERINARY SURGEONS HEALTH SUPPORT PROGRAMME TRUST | ||
The VSHS Programme has been established by the veterinary profession to help combat the problems of alcohol and drug abuse or addiction amongst a proportion of its members. The Programme aims to increase awareness by providing information and advice on alcohol and drug abuse and addiction and, for those in need of help to overcome an alcohol or drug problem, to provide guidance and assistance in procuring appropriate treatment and progressing successfully through the recovery process. The Health Support Programme for veterinary surgeons is based on similar schemes which have been available to members of the dental and of the pharmaceutical professions, and have operated successfully, over several years. The essential components of the Programme are: Awareness - Informing and educating members and their families of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and addiction, and how to recognise the problem; and to make them aware that help is readily available. Identification - Encouraging family, colleagues, staff or others concerned that a veterinary surgeon may have an alcohol or drug problem to seek help on his/her behalf, in total confidence. Verification - Accumulating sufficient substantive information to ensure that the VS has a problem and is in need of help. Intervention - Approaching the VS and, by a sympathetic but informed process, helping him/her to recognise his/her problem and to accept help. This approach will be undertaken by Programme Carers, at least one of whom will be a recovered alcoholic or drug addict. Referral - Arranging for the ailing VS to be referred for appropriate treatment. Practical Support - Arranging assistance to deal with problems affecting the VS`s family, practice staff, etc., and, where appropriate, professional colleagues. Peer and Other Support - Establishing peer support for the VS during treatment and arranging for aftercare facilities, including introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous and to other health professionals in recovery. Monitoring - maintaining contact with and providing encouragement and support when the VS returns to professional duties. |
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| It is recognised that the path to recovery offered by
the professions own Health Support Programme is not the
only one available to a Veterinary Surgeon but it is
hoped that those seeking help or advice will make use of
this freely available, confidential service by contacting
the VSHS Programme Co-ordinator on telephone number 07659
811118 or e mail : banjoe@austincourt.freeserve.co.uk |
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