Dr Barrett is one of the representatives on an Australian Medical Association committee, aimed at easing the workload for junior doctors. The Safe Hours report recommends more sensible rosters in line with a national industry standard. We were alerted to this problem from tragic and near-tragic events that had put the safety of doctors at risk. This is clearly putting the safety of patients at risk as well, and we just have to address it. And the pressure is taking its toll on the medical profession.
Studies show young doctors are particularly prone to depression, drug abuse and suicide.
In NSW alone, doctors are 50 per cent more likely to commit suicide than the rest of the population. I know of at least two doctors, one who committed suicide and one who had to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for several months before he regained his stability. Since he began specialist training in cardiology, Dr Rod Brockett's workload has eased, but up until six months ago he was doing 36-hour shifts at a Brisbane hospital and his work suffered as a result. You have a feeling of dread in anticipation of what's about to come and hit you. Sometimes the mistakes are pretty serious.