Junior doctors rostered hours survey: What's the impact?

As a result of roster changes being made at Fremantle Hospital and being proposed at RPH, the AMA determined that a survey of junior doctors would be held to clarify the exact nature of the changes, how these changes would affect the hours being worked and whether there would be any adverse impact on patient care and front line services given the assurances of the Minister for Health that the 3% budget cuts would not impact patient care and front line services.  In addition to the survey the AMA facilitated a coordinated campaign involving education to members, correspondence to the Employers, representations to Government and achieved media coverage which resulted in talk back radio involving the President of the AMA WA Professor Gary Geelhoed and the WA Minister for Health, the Hon Dr Kim Hames.

• Survey Results (members only)

Since this survey and the activities of the AMA Fremantle Hospital has reverted to their previous rostering arrangements as of Monday 8th June and future rosters will be determined via a consultative process with junior doctors at the departmental level.  Essentially, if a particular position requires rostered hours above 76 per fortnight, this will be implemented.  A meeting was held at RPH with junior doctor representatives where it was confirmed that savings of 5FTE were being sought rather than the initial 16 FTE proposed, that the changes would not be taking place until later this year e.g. 4th or 5th term or even 1st term in 2010.  A consultative process would be adopted with Heads of Department to determine where cuts might be appropriate.

The above outcomes have been achieved by a collaborative approach between the AMA and the RMO Societies and this is something that the AMA and the DIT Committee intends to foster for the future.  If your employer is seeking to adopt a different approach to the ones detailed above please notify the AMA via clare.thomas@amawa.com.au or phone (08) 9273 3000.

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