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Australian Medical Association (NSW) Limited
Media Release
Media Release
12 January 2009
Doctors Call For Review of Unsafe Working Hours
AMA (NSW) today called for a review of overtime practices in NSW hospitals
following the release of a survey showing that 41 per cent of doctors-in-training
feel they are required to work unsafe hours.
AMA (NSW) President Dr Brian Morton said overtime practices were putting the
welfare of both patients and doctors at risk, while exacerbating the shortage of
training places in hospitals.
“There needs to be consistent set of rules governing overtime across all NSW
hospitals,” Dr Morton said.
“With the number of medical graduates outstripping the number of available
training places at hospitals, it is understandable that doctors-in-training are
desperate to secure their futures.
“Many, however, are being pushed into working unsafe hours, often without pay.
“Clear guidelines are needed to ensure consistency in the way overtime is treated
across all NSW public hospitals.”
The survey also found that 87 per cent of doctors-in-training in NSW do not
believe there will be a sufficient number of training positions to cater for the
number of graduates.
Dr Morton said State and Federal Governments needed to work with doctors to
develop a way forward for training in public hospital
“While funding will be important, the solution will also require a cultural shift in the
way hospitals conduct their training programs.
“Doctors-in-training need people to learn from, so more experienced doctors will
need to step up to the plate and set aside time for training activities.
“The issues around workloads and training places for medical graduates are
complex, but can be solved if we all work together.”
AMA (NSW) surveyed 87 doctors-in-training and is conducting ‘Orientation Week’
events in a number of public hospitals this week to give young doctors a better
understanding of life as a medical professional.
Media Contacts: Tanzeem Parkar (02) 9439 8822/ 0419 402 955
**AMA (NSW) survey responses attached**
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AMA (NSW) survey responses
Question: In general, the hours I am required to work are safe:
Response
TOTAL
Strongly Agree
3%
Agree
35%
Neither Agree no Disagree
21%
Disagree
35%
Strongly Disagree
6%
Question: I am confident that there will be a sufficient number of training
positions in NSW to match the increasing number of medical graduates:
Response
TOTAL
Strongly Agree
-
Agree
6%
Neither Agree no Disagree
8%
Disagree
43%
Strongly Disagree
44%
NEWS 
