On-call system modernisation needed

There have been a number of significant events for doctors in training (DiTs) and the AMA (WA) recently.

First to mention is the State Election, with election campaigns run by major parties claiming health as a priority. However, there has been little commentary by either side about DiT-related initiatives. 

Meanwhile, DiTs continue to face work conditions not considered acceptable in most other industries. These include doing 120+ hour fortnights; having on-call shifts for days on end with minimal sleep; not routinely being provided with places to rest while on call or overnight; facing on-call systems which are difficult to navigate; and receiving payments for work done whilst on call which does not truly compensate for the work provided. We need a modernisation of the on-call system, and change should not have to wait until the on-call reviews are complete.

AMA Federal President Dr Danielle McMullen visited Perth in March, where she attended a WA council meeting, during which we discussed the need for reform in the training system all the way from medical school through to graduation from fellowship. We highlighted DiTs’ interest in reforming college training pathways in terms of the number of places, transparency, and the burden. This, however, goes beyond DiTs; WA already has some of the lowest numbers of trainees in the country, and this is a serious risk to health in the coming years. Action is needed urgently. 

With interns having just completed their first term and final-year MD students looking forward to applying for internships, we have been working to update and release the latest version of Hospital Health Check, a survey that has gained significant recognition in WA.