Thousands of doctors working in NSW public hospitals, including anaesthetists, have begun three days of industrial action today.
The Australian Society of Anaesthetists understands that this action is the direct result of years of unsustainable workloads, chronic understaffing and low pay in the NSW public hospital system.
The Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation of NSW, which represents salaried doctors working in NSW, says the statewide action has been driven by widespread doctor shortages and unsafe working hours that put patients at risk.
The decision to engage in industrial action has not been taken lightly by any of the doctors involved as their first thought is always with their patients and the families of their patient. Nevertheless, the crisis in NSW public hospitals has reached the point where doctors feel they have no other recourse than to strike for three days this week.
It has been pleasing to note the understanding and expressions of support by the public of NSW who have experienced the exemplary care of doctors and other health workers in the public hospital system.
The NSW Government must urgently find a resolution to this matter so that doctors can continue to provide exemplary care in our public hospitals and to ensure NSW has a health workforce that is sustainable into the future.
ASA members in NSW are encouraged to contact the ASA if they feel they need any support at this time.