AMA Victoria lobbies for inquiry into sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour claims

The Andrews Government is being pushed to investigate widespread claims of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviours in Victoria’s public hospitals.

The Andrews Government is being pushed to investigate widespread claims of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviours in Victoria’s public hospitals.

The Australian Medical ­Association’s Victorian branch is lobbying for an independent inquiry into public hospital culture across the state amid claims of inappropriate practices from its members.

BULLYING UP AMONG HEALTH WORKERS

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The AMA is pushing for an inquiry into public hospital culture. Generic picture

The AMA has included its push for the inquiry as a key to its 2019 State Budget submission, with Victorian president Associate Professor Julian Rait saying such an ­investigation needs to have a special focus on sexual discrimination and harassment.

“We accept evidence and particularly anecdotes from our members that workplace sexual harassment is widespread in the health sector,” he said.

“Where this behaviour ­continues, the rights and wellbeing of individuals and ­efficiency of our health system is undermined, which can lead to less than optimal health care.

“We support initiatives to stop the destructive effects of this behaviour and improve public hospital culture.”

One in five trainee doctors worry about making an error due to the hours they work. Generic picture

An AMA survey of trainee doctors last year found almost half reported being bullied or harassed at work.

The AMA’s Hospital Health Check Survey of 612 trainee doctors also found ­almost one in five trainees said they were often or very often concerned about making a clinical error due to the hours they work.

A further 38 per cent were “sometimes” concerned their fatigue would lead to an error.

Half of the trainees felt the culture of their workplace made them unproductive, while similar numbers complained of low morale and a desire to leave the profession.

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