Doctor suicides: The hidden despair of NSW’s young physicians

THE deaths of four NSW junior doctors should be probed by a parliamentary inquiry, according to top medical authorities, the opposition and families.

Dr Chloe Abbott took her own life on January 9, but her family is now speaking out in an effort to shed light on the medical industry's 'shameful secret'. Source: Supplied.

• AT LEAST 20 LIVES LOST DUE TO ENORMOUS PRESSURE

THE spate of suicides among NSW junior doctors should be probed by a powerful parliamentary inquiry — according to top medical authorities, the opposition and victims’ families.

It comes after a special investigation by The Saturday Telegraphrevealed four young physicians had recently taken their lives.

The investigation forced Health Minister Brad Hazzard to ask for coronial data, which found at least 20 medicos committed suicide from 2007-16. Mr Hazzard conceded this was just the tip of the iceberg.

Leonie Eagles said doing medicine cost her daughter Chloe her life. Picture: Justin Lloyd

It can now be revealed ­opposition health spokesman Walt Secord has approached colleagues pushing for an inquiry. A powerful Legislative Council General Purpose Standing Committee, chaired by Labor’s Greg Donnelly, could probe suicides among medicos. “The pressure is extraordinary on young doctors. They have regular exams as well as working lengthy shifts,” Mr Secord said. “These deaths are an incredible loss to their families, but also to everyone in the community.”

Mr Hazzard has ordered his department to report within a month on the spate of deaths. Mr Secord said he would work with the government on any proposed changes to stem the deaths.

“We must care for those who care for us,” he said.

Chloe Abbott swam for Australia at the 2003 FINA World Championships.

The medical degree of Chloe Abbott from Sydney University. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The family of Dr Chloe Abbott, who worked as junior doctor at St Vincent’s Hospital and took her own life on January 9, has thrown its support behind a parliamentary inquiry as well.

“We would welcome a parliamentary inquiry and believe it would be a step in the right direction,” her sister Micaela said.

“Meaningful change will mean lives are saved.”

Dr John Moutzouris took his life in January.

Dr Moutzouris on the job.

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Australian Medical Association President Dr Michael Gannon said a parliamentary inquiry had merit — but it had to deliver more than “hand-wringing and motherhood statements”.

Beyond Blue board director Mukesh Haikerwal also supported a parliamentary inquiry.

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