ASMOF NSW – The Doctors Union says it is an indictment of the NSW health system that Premier Chris Minns has been forced to ask people to avoid emergency departments unless their life may be in danger.
The warning followed the busiest recorded winter day for Sydney emergency departments, with almost 10,000 presentations and more than 4,100 ambulance call-outs.
ASMOF NSW President Dr Nicholas Spooner said winter demand was predictable and hospitals should be staffed accordingly.
“Winter happens every year. Influenza, COVID and respiratory illnesses place additional pressure on hospitals every year.
“The Minns Government cannot continue treating predictable increases in demand as an unexpected emergency.
“It is an indictment of the NSW health system that the Premier’s response is to ask sick and injured people not to come to hospital.
“Patients should always seek emergency care when they believe they need it. They should not be left wondering whether the system has enough doctors to treat them.”
Dr Spooner said ASMOF had consistently warned that emergency departments across NSW were understaffed, overstretched and increasingly dependent on exhausted doctors working excessive hours.
“Union members are fighting for more staffing in EDs across the state. There are doctors available, but the NSW Government continues to refuse to fund it.
“Doctors are ready and willing to serve in our emergency departments, but positions must be properly funded, and hospitals must be staffed for the demand they know is coming.
“Instead of telling the public to stay away, the Premier and Health Minister should fund the doctors and resources our emergency departments need.
“Patients and frontline staff are now paying the price for the Government’s continued failure to staff the public hospital system adequately.”
Dr Spooner said understaffing also contributed to fatigue, excessive working hours, longer patient waits and growing difficulties recruiting and retaining doctors in NSW.
“Doctors will always go above and beyond for their patients, but their dedication cannot continue to be used to prop up an understaffed system.
“The solution is straightforward. Properly staff emergency departments and give doctors the resources they need to provide safe and timely patient care.”
