Health isn’t only about what happens in the consulting room. Housing, money, safety, family and paperwork all affect how you feel. At Mediclinic, our GPs work alongside Support Workers who help regular patients with these practical and social needs. That includes NDIS applications, so you have a Clayton NDIS GP and support team working together.
Our Support Workers have a range of experience and qualifications. They work closely with your Mediclinic GP or Nurse Practitioner, so your care is joined up.
What our Support Workers can help with
NDIS applications
Help to understand the NDIS, gather evidence and complete an access request. Your GP provides the medical information.
DSP applications
Help with Disability Support Pension paperwork and organising the medical evidence Services Australia asks for.
Housing support
Help to find and contact housing and homelessness services, and to work through housing problems.
Family violence support
Safe, confidential support and connection to specialist family violence services.
Mental health and AOD support
Practical support alongside your mental health or drug and alcohol care.
Child and family welfare
Support for parents and carers, and links to family services.
Our Support Workers can also help with:
- Referrals to community, health and welfare services
- Patient advocacy, helping you speak up and be heard by services and agencies
- Risk and psychosocial assessments, to understand your situation and plan the right support
If there’s something they can’t help with, they’ll refer you to an outside provider or back to your Mediclinic GP.
Who can use Patient Support Services?
Patient Support Services are for regular Mediclinic patients. You need a referral from your Mediclinic GP. If you think support would help, mention it at your next appointment. Your GP can talk with you about what you need and make the referral.
See your Mediclinic GP
Book a GP appointment and let your doctor know what’s going on. It might be an NDIS application, housing stress or something else.
Get a referral
If Patient Support Services is the right fit, your GP refers you to our Support Workers.
Meet a Support Worker
They’ll listen, work out a plan with you and help with forms, phone calls and referrals.
Stay connected
Your Support Worker and GP keep in touch about your progress, with your consent.
Your NDIS GP in Clayton: help with NDIS and DSP applications
For both the NDIS and the DSP, the agencies usually need medical evidence about your condition and how it affects your daily life. Your GP can provide this, often with reports from specialists or allied health practitioners you’ve seen.
A longer appointment is usually best for this kind of paperwork. Bring any letters, reports and forms you already have. Tell reception it’s for an NDIS or DSP application when you book, so you’re given enough time.
If you have a chronic condition, your GP may also talk with you about a care plan. This can help coordinate the different people involved in your care.
If you’re experiencing family violence
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
You can also get confidential help any time from:
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7 national counselling and support for people affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence)
- Safe Steps – 1800 015 188 (24/7 Victorian family violence response line)
You can talk to your GP or Nurse Practitioner in private. They can help with your health and safety, and refer you to our Support Workers or specialist services.
Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. These free services are available 24 hours a day:
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (crisis support and suicide prevention)
- DirectLine — 1800 888 236 (alcohol and drug counselling, Victoria)
- Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
- 13YARN — 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Fees
Patient Support Services are available to regular patients by GP referral. Ask reception about any costs before your first appointment. GP appointments are mixed billed. Bulk billing is at the practitioner’s discretion for some eligible patients, including concession card holders. See our fees page.
Can my GP help with my NDIS application?
Yes. Your GP can provide the medical evidence the NDIS needs. Our Support Workers can help regular patients with the application process. Book a longer GP appointment and bring any reports you have.
Do I need a referral to see a Support Worker?
Yes. Patient Support Services are for regular Mediclinic patients and need a referral from your Mediclinic GP.
Can you help me find housing?
Our Support Workers can help you connect with housing and homelessness services and work through housing problems. They can’t provide housing directly. You can also search for local services on Ask Izzy (askizzy.org.au).
Is family violence support confidential?
Yes. Your conversations are private. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
What if the Support Workers can’t help with my issue?
They’ll refer you to an appropriate outside service, or back to your Mediclinic GP.