This information is for emergency department, inpatient and community health professionals caring for serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members presenting with suicidal distress or other mental health concerns. 

The attached guidance outlines how to contact Defence health care, what on-base supports exist, and how to facilitate safe clinical handover and continuity of care.

Hospital and community services guidance (PDF, 404.83 KB)

Important highlights for working with ADF health services include:

• National 24/7 Defence clinical liaison is available to facilitate handover if you are unable to contact a Defence health practitioner directly: 1800 IMSICK (1800 467 425).
• We want to work with you to support our serving members and ensure ongoing care.
• Defence health requests early contact, particularly for admissions and discharge planning.
• Discharge summaries are critical for safe clinical handover and remain medical-in-confidence within the Defence health care system.