Toowoomba Hospital receives a C+ score in AMA Queensland 2022 Resident Hospital Health Check

Staff shortages and ramping have taken a toll on Toowoomba’s junior doctors with new warnings that patients are being put at risk. See why they are so concerned here.

In a painful insight into Toowoomba’s main hospital, junior doctors are concerned the toll of performing under pressure on the frontline could impact patient treatment.

In an annual rating system, Toowoomba Hospital had the biggest drop of 12 metro and regional hospitals with a C+, down from last year’s B-.

The AMA Queensland Resident Hospital Health Check showed that 38 per cent of participating Toowoomba junior doctors were concerned about making errors due to fatigue – with 6 out of 10 surveyed doctors statewide feeling the same.

Almost one in four junior doctors reported feeling their safety was compromised at work, while one in five reported experiencing and witnessing bullying, discrimination and or sexual harassment.

“Every year, more and more doctors in training raise fatigue and overwork as a key concern, and the pandemic has exacerbated the pressure,” AMA Queensland’s Committee of Doctors in Training (CDT) chair Dr Rob Nayer said.

“This year we have seen unprecedented stresses on our hospitals, doctors and all healthcare workers. We need urgent and sustainable action to train and retain our doctors.”

A Darling Downs Health spokesperson said it was crucial for staff members to make others aware if they were experiencing fatigue, despite acknowledging in the past the region was struggling with staff shortages.

“Any staff member who is feeling that fatigue is putting their safety or the safety of their patients at risk is actively encouraged to take steps to manage this by escalating their concerns and, for example, handing over care to take a rest,” the spokesperson said.

“As part of Darling Downs Health’s commitment to safety, we have a Fatigue Risk Management System which includes education, practical tools and strategies to manage fatigue across the organisation.”

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Toowoomba Hospital. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The hospital saw a drop in grades because of concerns raised about access to annual leave, career progression and development, wellbeing and workplace culture, and the response to bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.

The study found only 30 per cent of those who had experienced or witnessed bullying, discrimination or harassment reported the offence, while 70 per cent were concerned it would have negative consequences.

“Darling Downs Health also has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment,” the spokesperson said.

“We encourage any staff member, no matter their position, to speak to their manager or leaders if they have feedback – both positive and negative – about their workplace.”

According to the survey, Toowoomba Hospital received an A in work hours and overtime management, however 15 per cent of doctors reported being advised to not claim overtime. More than 65 per cent claimed they were unsatisfied with hospital facilities, while 60 per cent were unsatisfied with clinical and bedside teachings and training.

The DDH spokesperson said the survey provided an update of areas to improve upon.