Qld doctors reveal ‘number one priority’ to Miles govt

Queensland’s overstretched health workforce is suffering from chronic burnout and are “extremely concerned” about raising issues of violence threats, the sector’s peak body has warned.

Queensland’s overstretched health workforce is suffering from chronic burnout and are “extremely concerned” about raising issues of violence threats, the sector’s peak body has warned.

The Australian Medical Association Queensland has called on the state government to make public hospitals safer for the workforce and address excessive workloads by boosting staff resources.

In its submission to the Miles government ahead of the June state budget, the peak body has lobbied for broader workforce incentives to both attract and retain emerging and distant workers.

AMAQ president Maria Boulton said the workforce support and relief will be the “number one priority” for the body in the lead up to the state election in October, which is expected to be a significant focus for both major parties and voters.

“Doctors and nurses should not be getting sick at work, assaulted or threatened with violence, or overworked to the point of exhaustion,” she said.

AMAQ President Dr Maria Boulton. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

“Doctors remain extremely concerned about the ramifications of speaking up about issues affecting patient safety or staff wellbeing, including bullying and harassment.

“The recently-announced independent review into hospital sexual assault policies and procedures is a long-overdue first step – now we need the same for occupational violence.

“The Queensland Government must take urgent action to protect our hardworking healthcare workforce and attract and retain more staff.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Picture: David Clark

The AMAQ’s budget submission warned excessive workloads was leading to “staff burnout”, while it also called for greater support for medical graduates and overseas-trained doctors who are quitting hospital jobs due to “insufficient training places and career pathways”.

The peak body said doctors in the Queensland sector were not adequately consulted or involved in critical healthcare decisions by Queensland Health or Hospital and Health Services.

“We have seen some positive movements from the Queensland government, including financial incentives for interstate and international doctors and other healthcare workers to relocate to regional areas, and financial support for GPs to upskill in obstetrics and anaesthetics,” Dr Boulton said.

“But we must find ways to retain those new staff and look after the healthcare workers who are already there.

“These doctors must be supported to maintain their skills or train in crucial fields such as obstetrics, anaesthetics, paediatrics, general practice and mental health and not just be relied on for emergency medicine.”