Calls to scrap “unsafe” 20-hour shifts for hospital doctors

Public hospital doctors want to end “unsafe, unrecognised and unpaid” shifts, that can be up to 20 hours long.

Dr Lorraine Baker, President of the Australian Medical Association Victoria, told Justin and Kate there are dangerous expectations on doctors in public hospitals.

“We’re very concerned about the expectations,” Dr Baker said.

“There’s such a pressure for productivity.

“That’s why we’re negotiating a new employment agreement.”

The Association is asking for a work day of a maximum 16 hours, a break of no less than 10 hours between shifts and a maximum of seven days night shift in a row.

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