‘How is this considered safe?’ Band-Aids no fix for Victoria’s ‘broken’ health system, doctors warn

‘How is this considered safe?’ Band-Aids no fix for Victoria’s ‘broken’ health system, doctors warn

Ahead of the Victorian state election, medical professionals say patients’ care is being compromised by overwork and understaffing at hospitals

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Despite its challenges, Sarah* loves her job. After a decade working as a doctor, “it still feels like a privilege to do the work I do,” she says. “I do a lot of long hours and unpaid work, and generally accept this as going with the territory.”

While pregnant, Sarah worked night shifts until she was 30 weeks along, and then at 35 weeks worked 10 days in a row, including a 15-hour shift. “I would have worked 120 hours in the fortnight and not got paid overtime.”

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In brief

Ahead of the Victorian state election, medical professionals say patients’ care is being compromised by overwork and understaffing at hospitals Get our daily political email, free app or daily news podcast Despite its challenges, Sarah* loves her job. While pregnant, Sarah worked night shifts until she was 30 weeks along, and then at 35 weeks worked 10 days in a row, including a 15-hour shift.

This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to The Guardian — Australia. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.

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