Next week, a significant strike involving thousands of doctors is set to take place across New South Wales, resulting in the cancellation of elective surgeries, non-urgent procedures, and outpatient services. This industrial action is a response to ongoing disputes between medical practitioners and the Minns government, with striking doctors intending to defy a court order to cease their work.
The Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (ASMOF NSW) has been in talks with NSW Health in the Industrial Relations Commission after rejecting two pay proposals from the government. According to ASMOF President, Dr Nicholas Spooner, the strikes have been spurred by extensive doctor shortages and unsafe working conditions that jeopardise patient safety. He criticises the government for its failure to engage in meaningful negotiations, leaving medical staff with no alternative but to take this drastic step.
As the strike commences on Tuesday, public hospitals are expected to operate with reduced staffing similar to public holiday levels. Dr Spooner notes that many doctors are experiencing exhaustion and burnout, resulting in high turnover rates as professionals leave the sector for better opportunities elsewhere. He emphasises the dire situation, mentioning long, back-to-back shifts with minimum rest and multiple responsibilities due to chronic staff shortages, which pose risks for both doctors and patients.
Dr Spooner further highlights that patients in NSW are often struggling to access timely medical care, with reports of emergency department wait times exceeding 24 hours and over 100,000 individuals awaiting elective procedures. He conveys that despite negotiating in good faith for months, the government has not addressed the pressing concerns, prompting the necessity of the strike as a final effort to be heard.
During the three-day strike, while essential services will still maintain safe staffing levels, operations in hospitals such as Royal Prince Alfred, Westmead Children’s, Nepean, Hornsby, and Wollongong will be significantly disrupted. Dr Spooner reassures the public that patient safety remains a priority, and the strike aims to bring attention to the urgent need for improved conditions, staffing, and recognition of the sacrifices doctors make.
The state government has offered a modest three per cent pay increase, which Dr Spooner argues is inadequate in light of the current crisis. He calls upon Premier Minns to engage with health professionals to address these critical staffing and condition issues, ensuring that doctors in NSW receive the respect and support they need to provide quality care.