Students need good health and wellbeing to learn, thrive and reach their full potential – in school and in life. For some students, accessing a general practitioner (GP) can be challenging for a range of reasons.
The DiSS program is funded by the Victorian Department of Education and aims to provide equitable, accessible and professional primary health care services to students in secondary schools. The program complements existing student wellbeing programs aimed at improving health literacy and encouraging preventive health.
Program objectives are to:
- Make primary health care more accessible to students
- Provide assistance to young people to identify and address any health problems early
- Reduce the pressure on working parents and community-based GPs
Between its launch in 2017 and 30 June 2026, the program facilitated 7,283 GP appointments across the nine participating Gippsland schools. In addition, 4,857 nurse appointments were delivered between 2021 and 30 June 2026.
The program has developed into an integral part of school life for students who are able to access quality care provided by dedicated health professionals.
For more information about the DiSS program, please visit the Victorian Government’s Doctors in Secondary Schools program website.
Join the program
DiSS offers a unique opportunity for GPs and nurses to make a meaningful impact on young people’s health while becoming part of the school community.
General practices, GPs and nurses interested in joining the program can visit the DiSS statewide expression of interest webpage or email Diss@gphn.org.au.
