Rostering ensures that hospitals can provide safe, round-the-clock care while helping doctors manage their personal and professional lives. As an intern, you are stepping into a healthcare system that operates 24/7, meaning you are likely to work weekends, nights, and some overtime.

Key points:

• Interns are generally not rostered on-call, but this may vary based on location.
• Rosters are critical for balancing your workload and maintaining safe working conditions.
   

Your rostering rights

1. Receiving your roster
    
   • Hospitals must provide your roster at least 28 days in advance.
      
   • If you do not receive it on time, contact Medical Workforce first. If unresolved, contact AMA Victoria for support.
2. Roster changes
    
   • Once issued, the roster should only change in specific circumstances:
      
     • Where you have received more than 14 days’ notice of the change.
        
     • A genuine medical emergency (e.g. natural disaster, large-scale accident).
        
     • Less than 14 days by Mutual agreement between you and the hospital (you will receive a daily allowance in this case).
3. Shift swaps and day off requests
    
   • If you need a day off or shift change:
      
     • Submit your request in writing to Medical Workforce.
        
     • Requests should ideally be made 28 days in advance to avoid disruptions. Save late requests for urgent needs.
   • Shift swaps are allowed but require written approval from Medical Workforce.

Main roster considerations

1. Hospital-initiated changes
    
   • If the hospital changes your roster with less than 14 days' notice, you are entitled to penalty payments directly added to your fortnightly pay.
2. Minimum breaks and time off
    
   • At least 3.5 days off per fortnight, with 2 consecutive days.
      
   • Minimum 10-hour break between shifts.
3. Roster design standards
    
   • Rosters should align with the AMA National Code of Practice for Hours of Work, Shift Work, and Rostering for Hospital Doctors (available on the AMA Federal website).
      
   • Rosters must be accessible via email, intranet, or other hospital-advised platforms.
4. Individual circumstances
    
   • Any changes to your roster must consider personal circumstances such as family obligations.

Key actions for interns

• Be proactive: Regularly check where rosters are posted (e.g., email, intranet).
   
• Keep written records: Save copies of your roster and any correspondence regarding changes.
   
• Know your entitlements: Familiarise yourself with penalty payments and roster design guidelines.
   
• Seek help if needed: For unresolved issues, contact AMA Victoria for support.

By understanding and advocating for your rostering rights, you can navigate your internship with confidence and clarity.