In an email sent to junior medical officers on Wednesday,the Taree Medical Administration told doctors to assist other departments instead of sleeping on quiet nights.
“Sleeping is not part of your job description. If you find that you have no further duties to attend to the expectation is that you either attend the Emergency Department to assist them or contact the overnight SRMO[Senior Resident Medical Officer] and assist them on the wards,” the email read.
Manning Hospital apologised and said the statement did not reflect its commitment to “a safe and supportive work culture.”Alamy
“The mattress and dirty linen have been removed and this room will be monitored by security,if bedding is found to be returned to this area further action will be taken.”
However,after being contacted by the Australian Medical Association NSW,a Hunter New England Health spokesperson said the hospital would apologise to staff.
“All staff are encouraged to use the designated rest areas to take meal,rest or sleep breaks as required while ensuring patient care is a priority,” the spokesperson said.
“Manning Hospital has designated rest areas available and does not discourage staff members seeking rest safely and appropriately … the safety and wellbeing of all staff is of vital importance.”
AMA NSW Doctors-In-Training Chair Dr Sanjay Hettige said it was vital that Doctors-In-Training were supported to provide the best possible patient care.
“AMA (NSW) sought a commitment from the hospital that it will support Doctors-In-Training to manage fatigue,including supporting rest breaks as appropriate and providing clean and safe facilities for DITs to rest,” he said.
“[The] hospital has advised that an apology will be issued and that the communication that was sent out did not accurately reflect Manning Hospital’s commitment nor arrangements for a safe and supportive work culture.”
One senior medical officer,who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals,said the email had caused concern among the staff of all levels and had been escalated internally.
“It’s people who don’t work after-hours having opinions on people who do,” they said. Night shifts range between 10 and 12 hours.
The doctor said it was an unfortunate incident coming after the hospital had previously made advancements in staffing and overtime issues.
It comes just days after a historic class action payout which saw more than and entitlements from the NSW government.
The $229.8 million payout came following a four-year battle in the Supreme Court where doctors said they were forced to work excessive hours without recognition.
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