Bullying pushes doctors to leave

DOCTORS are reported to be leaving public hospitals for the private sector “in droves” because of widespread bullying.

President of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Michael Gannon, said the “shameful” environment – which had infiltrated all levels of hospital management – was coming at the expense of patients.

He said doctors were being muzzled from speaking out about important issues plaguing hospitals, including bed and staffing shortages and the early discharge of patients.

The concerns mirror the situation in Victoria, where concerns about the length of shifts have prompted warnings that burnt-out doctors will quit, make lethal mistakes or suicide due to depression and stress.

A beyondblue survey of 14,000 doctors and medical students found the profession has greater psychological distress and higher attempted suicide rates than other professions.

Dr Gannon said doctors were forced daily to discharge patients earlier than they would like.

“The bullying and negative culture in public hospitals has doctors leaving in droves to work in the private sector,” he said.

“This atmosphere is pushing doctors into serious burnout and plays a part in the rising numbers of medics taking their own lives.”