Exhausted doctors to undertake first-ever statewide strike over threat to patient safety as Victorian hospital crisis worsens
AMA/ASMOF Victoria
For the very first time, exhausted doctors will undertake a four-hour statewide strike across Victoria’s entire public hospital system and rally outside the Victorian Parliament over unsustainable working hours, fatigue and the threat to patient safety.
The strike will occur from 1:30pm to 5:30pm this Thursday 1 October across Victorian hospitals. With emergency departments exempt from the strike and staffing remaining above Saturday levels, patient safety will not be put at risk.
ASMOF Victoria President Dr Roderick McRae said the problem of working hours and fatigue in our hospitals was so acute, doctors felt they had no option but to take strike action again.
“Our doctors do not take the decision to go on strike lightly. But the reality is they are being rostered on for 84-hour weeks and frequently work even longer when emergencies occur.
“They are often completely exhausted and burnt out, with little opportunity to rest between shifts. The threat that this systemic fatigue presents to patient safety is simply unacceptable.
“That’s why they’ve decided to take strike action this week.”
Dr McRae said that despite over 14 months of negotiations, and three Health Ministers, the Carroll Labor Government had failed to address any of the doctors' concerns.
“The Victorian hospital system is in crisis, and everyday patient safety is under threat.
“Doctors have now undertaken four separate strikes in specific regional and metropolitan locations, asking the Victorian Government to address our issues.
“Over the last 6 months, the Government has repeatedly promised doctors that ‘an offer was imminent.’
“But despite this, we’ve seen absolutely nothing put forward by the Carroll Labor Government that addresses these concerns for Victorian patients.
“The people of Victoria need a solution to this crisis, and they need it fast.”
AMA Victoria President Dr Simon Judkins said doctors were not asking for anything unreasonable, but simply wanted sustainable working conditions to protect patient welfare.
“To ensure we can provide the best care for Victoria’s patients, doctors are asking for a 12.5-hour limit to shifts and at least three guaranteed days off every fortnight to support proper rest and recovery.
“As other emergency services recognise, these basic measures are critical in managing fatigue and in keeping doctors and patients safe.
“We need the Carroll Labor Government to recognise that and come to the table with a reasonable offer in the interests of all Victorians.”
Contact details:
Gabriella White - 0466 435 468
James Cameron - 0412 611 695