Three minutes per patient: Doctors outraged over hospital management directive
Controversial management directive says ward round should be done and dusted by 10.30am
Doctors at several major hospitals are fighting a management directive to complete their ward rounds by 10.30am after being told it will free up more beds and reduce ambulance ramping.
It will give them just three minutes with each patient on average, according to the South Australian Salaried Medical Officers Association, which is warning patient care will be harmed.
The order by Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) was sent last week to doctors working at various health services, including the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The 10.30am deadline applies seven days a week, with managers saying they have a target of 95% compliance within three months.
