Training threat at NW hospital

ANAESTHETISTS c o u l d become the third medical profession this year to withdraw training from a Tasmanian hospital, claiming a poor culture is putting health and safety at risk.

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) has threatened to strip the North West Regional Hospital of its accreditation, in what would be the first action of its type by the organisation nationally in 15 years.

It comes after the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists withdrew accreditation from the Royal Hobart Hospital in August.

In January, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians downgraded training at the Launceston General Hospital.

ANZCA president David Scott told the Mercury ongoing issues had come to a head with the NWRH’s six anaesthesia trainees in recent months.

“Since 2014, we had raised issues of resources for training, support for trainees and supervision with the hospital,” Prof Scott said.

“Those were not being addressed. In addition we received complaints about health and safety issues related to behaviour from trainees at the hospital.”

An audit by ANZCA representatives two weeks ago resulted in the decision being taken last weekend.

The hospital has until December 1 to meet standards or lose its accreditation.

Alternative arrangements are being made for current trainees wishing to relocate and for the 2018 intake to train elsewhere.

Prof Scott would not elaborate on the type of behaviour that had resulted in the complaints. “Any form of unsafe workplace from a behavioural point of view — whether it’s bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment, intimidatory behaviour — is not acceptable and should not be tolerated,” he said.

“They impact on an individual’s ability to learn and to deliver safe and effective health care.

Tasmanian Health Service CEO David Alcorn said the organisation was working with the College in order to retain accreditation. The situation would not impact patient care, Dr Alcorn said.