1 week Ago By Damon Cronshaw
Doctors have rallied at John Hunter Hospital for better conditions, amid serious concerns about the state's "deteriorating" public hospital system. Login or signup to continue reading The rally was held during a doctor's strike from Tuesday to Thursday. They held signs saying "can't see a doctor, ask the Premier", "fatigue and burnout risk patient safety" and "I will put you to sleep if I don't fall asleep first".
They spoke with strong emotion to highlight "systemic failures" that leave them overworked, burnt out and feeling undervalued. Dr Alexander Whitfield, the doctors' union Hunter delegate, said "the public health system in NSW is on the brink of collapse". "If we can't work our way out of this staffing crisis, in five or 10 years there won't be a functioning public system," Dr Whitfield said.
Dr Eliza Milliken, a Hunter physician and union member, said "we're all under the pump and everything is deteriorating". Dr Milliken said the doctors were striking because "we care about our community and patients". "Patient outcomes are worse in the Hunter than they are in swing-seat electorates with more resources.
It's unjust. "Things are worse here than in Sydney. I've seen the difference.
" Dr Ariane Turner, a union member in emergency medicine, said the doctors were seeking "more staff" in hospitals, "particularly in regional and rural areas". "For example, I stayed three hours extra the other night after an evening shift. It was exceptionally busy," she said.
"After getting home at 3am, I only get three hours' sleep if I wake up to see my kids." She said there should be "no need to stay longer [than your shift] in emergency departments". "It's not like we're stopping an operation halfway through.
Our shift should end on time. "For most of my shifts, I'm staying at least an hour longer. I don't have breaks.
I'm lucky if I can go to the toilet." Dr Turner said the health service had been struggling to recruit doctors in the Hunter. "I worked six months at Queensland Children's Hospital and got paid significantly more than I did here," she said.
"I got allocated study leave, which was paid. That's an absolute fight to get in NSW. "I had ADOs [allocated days off] and adequate downtime after night shifts, as well as all my requests for leave granted.
" The doctors were seeking "equal pay at the same level as other states like Queensland and Victoria". Dr Whitfield said "the pay gap is 30 per cent". The NSW government has offered 10.
5 per cent over three years. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said "we know a gap exists". "What we need is more time to try to resolve that," Mr Park said.
He asked doctors to "stop this industrial action", which was "impacting on the safety and wellbeing of patients". "Let's go back to the negotiation table," he said. Dr Elizabeth Richardson, a union member in emergency medicine, said the doctors were working under "an ancient award".
"The penalties and allowances are dismal. They do not reflect the work that happens. "While in charge of the emergency department, I get paid $22.
80 for the entire 10 hours as an addition to my pay. "That's also for being in charge of the peripheral hospitals and GPs that call in. It's horrific.
It does not represent the work I do." Health and medicine, science, research, nutrition. Email: dcronshaw@newcastleherald.
com.au Health and medicine, science, research, nutrition. Email: dcronshaw@newcastleherald.
com.au Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
Weekdays Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Weekdays Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Weekly Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.
Weekly Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Weekly Love footy? We've got all the action covered. Weekly The latest news, results & expert analysis.
Weekly Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. Weekly Get the latest property and development news here. Weekly Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.
Weekdays Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep.
Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Twice weekly Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Twice weekly Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
Weekly Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. As it happens Be the first to know when news breaks. Daily Your digital replica of Today's Paper.
Ready to read from 5am! Daily Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!.
