AMA (NSW) urges patients to treat healthcare workers and staff with respect

AMA (NSW) is asking patients to practice kindness and treat healthcare workers and medical administration staff with respect as COVID-safe measures are implemented across hospitals and in many medical practices.

In response to increasing levels of transmission in the community, NSW Health has moved to Red Alert level. This means use of mandatory masks in public health settings and restrictions on visitors.
Medical practices owners are also taking steps to protect themselves, their staff and their patients as the pandemic continues, such as requiring patients and visitors to wear masks and check-in using the QR Code system as a condition of entry.

“While this may seem out of step with the loosened restrictions in the community, we ask that everyone respects the importance of following these rules in healthcare settings,” said Dr Sanjay Hettige, AMA (NSW) Doctors-in-Training Committee (DITC) Co-Chair.

“These rules will reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission in hospital facilities and private practices and limit the impact of furloughing staff who may be close contacts of COVID-19 patients.”

DITC Co-Chair, Dr Jacqueline Ho added, “We acknowledge the impact this has on patients and their families, especially at this time of year. It’s incredibly difficult to have a loved one in hospital and not be able to visit, but our top priority must be the ongoing provision of care for all patients which is made very difficult when staff are not able to attend work because of exposure to the virus.”

AMA (NSW)’s 2021 Hospital Health Check survey found 37% of doctors-in-training felt intimidated at work with the main source of intimidation being patients’ families.

“We know that intimidation contributes to the stress and fatigue of healthcare workers, and this can result in increased risk of clinical errors.

“It’s a trying time for everyone at the moment but treating each other with respect will ultimately result in the best outcomes for patients,” Dr Ho said.

Media contact: Andrea Cornish – 0419 402 955