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Doctor’s death a lesson for all hospitals
AMA Victoria president Dr Mark Yates said the tragic death two years ago of 28 year-old Dr Peter Nettelbeck should ring alarm bells for hospitals about ensuring doctor workloads were not excessive.“It is often taken for granted by hospitals that doctors will work long hours, to the detriment of their own health and family, because of their dedication to their patients.
“While AMA and Victorian hospitals have been working to address doctors working excessive hours, through the Safe Hours campaign and guidelines, we know that there are still doctors working very long hours,” Dr Yates said.
The AMA Safe Hours Audit conducted in May last year found 62 per cent of Australian hospital doctors were working hours classified as high risk or significant risk.
“The State Government and hospitals must take an urgent look at the workload being placed on doctors,” Dr Yates said.
End release.
Dr Peter Nettelbeck, 28, died in December 2004 at an accommodation unit at the Latrobe Regional Hospital. This week it has been reported that Latrobe Regional Hospital has agreed to pay his widow compensation, following family submissions that he suffered a fatal epilepsy attack, aggravated by workload and sleep deprivation.
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