Help us shape the Doctor Support Unit

Calling South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) doctors to help us co-design a new doctor support unit at SMHS.

Throughout the co-design phase we are seeking your feedback on a range of issues (see the timeline to the right).

In the first phase, we sought your inputs on branding elements that will help establish the brand identity of the unit. Thank you for letting us know what’s important to you. The voting has now closed.

We reached 281 people over 421 visits via this page and received 121 responses.

Click the Branding elements survey insights tab below to know what we heard.

In the next phase, we’ll be seeking your inputs on the digital framework of the DSU including elements of the DSU SharePoint page.

Watch this space!

About the Doctor Support Unit

About the Doctor Support Unit

We’ve heard and we are acting to improve the workplace environment for medical staff. We are committed to improvement and recognise there is much to be done and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and make it happen.

The SMHS Doctor Support Unit (DSU) is initially a one-stop shop for all Doctors in Training (DiT) workplace queries.

This central SMHS unit supports the professional development and health and wellbeing of DiTs. The unit will deliver a transparent and modern service to rostering, leave requests and overtime and on-call claims.

Delivering the initial phases of the SMHS DSU is a collaboration between SMHS Clinical Services, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group Medical Education and SMHS Workforce.

Our pledge to you is to:

  • focus on you – with clear, responsive communication
  • give you a streamlined and easy to navigate and transparent service
  • provide greater visibility and transparency on what’s important to you (leave availability, overtime/recall claims, rosters, wellbeing)
  • meet you where and when you need, with self- service options and support that is easily accessible and mobile-friendly using innovative technology
  • provide seamless access to wellbeing pathways
  • accept the challenge to continually improve

Ultimately, this central SMHS unit will support all SMHS doctors, and this is a big task. So, it will be a phased approach co-designed with doctors and key stakeholders.

We’ve started by bringing together medical workforce, medical education, and medical strategy and service improvement teams at one location on level 2, Education building, Fiona Stanley Hospital.

For now, all doctors, other than DiTs, will continue to access support through normal processes. And, we won’t be leaving you behind. We will keep you updated as changes are made.

Branding elements survey insights

During consultation for DSU branding elements, 48% of the respondents ranked 'DSU home' as their first choice. The feedback gathered across 121 responses offer valuable insights into your aspirations and priorities regarding the branding elements.


  • 48% respondents voted this as their first choice

    This option was widely perceived as a symbol of safety and care, often described as a ‘home base’ offering protection from stressors. Its association with doctors and healthcare services was clear, evident in comments praising its doctor-focussed design. Respondents appreciated its sleekness, simplicity, and alignment with the SMHS colour palette. Overall, the simplicity, visual appeal, and alignment with SMHS values made this a standout choice.

  • 33% respondents voted this as their first choice

    This option was praised for its uniqueness to Western Australia (WA). It was perceived as warm and non-corporate, with positive associations with the heart and tree symbols. The modern flat iconography was appreciated, especially for its representation of support and connection to nature and Aboriginal culture. Overall, this option was seen as visually appealing, professional yet authentic, and imbued with cultural symbolism and warmth.

  • 19% respondents voted this as their first choice

    This option was characterised by its representation of community and support. Respondents appreciated the simplicity and effectiveness, with specific praise for the legibility of the text. The branding was seen as symbolising peace and support, and the design was perceived as modern and clean. Its connection to nature and health, along with its friendly and comforting appearance, resonated well with respondents.