GPs resign from hospital over long, unsafe hours
GP Dr Bob Vickers says the doctors who worked at Singleton Hospital's ED were burnt out and sick of their concerns being ignored
At least four GPs have resigned from Singleton Hospital in the NSW Hunter Valley after their concerns over unsafe hours fell “on deaf ears” with management.
One of the GPs, Dr Bob Vickers, says long shifts on call at the ED are leading to burnout among GPs, yet staffing levels remain unchanged.
“Multiple doctors have raised concerns over a long period of time, and no change has occurred despite safer solutions being offered,” he tells 6minutes.
Dr Vickers, who resigned in November 2020, confirmed four GPs had resigned and some GP registrars had chosen not to continue working at the hospital over the issues that included out-of-date work practices, unsafe hours and an increase in ED presentations due to a burgeoning population.
