A recent survey commissioned by AMA (NSW) revealed that more than two thirds of doctors and nurses had seriously considered leaving the public hospital system in the last 12 months, and more than 50 per cent described themselves as always or usually exhausted.

“In NSW we need a genuine commitment to improving resources and working conditions,” said AMA (NSW) President Dr Andrew Keegan.

“Only 17 per cent of doctors trust management to consult with them honestly.  This lack of confidence in one of the key workforce groups indicates that NSW Health is facing a crisis as an employer.

The survey was undertaken for the AMA (NSW), the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (NSW) and the NSW Nurses Association, and covered junior and senior doctors and nurses.

“Emergency departments continue to operate under enormous pressure, and the National Rural Health Audit has revealed the decline in rural health services which has been a concern for years.  The recruitment campaign announced would be less surprising if the NSW government could acknowledge the concerns of its own employees before engaging in promotion,” Dr Keegan said.