ACEM statement on Review into the Workplace Culture within ACT Public Health Services
The peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand says today’s release of the review highlights the need for the ACT Government to act swiftly and comprehensively to improve health service workplace culture.
Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) President Dr Simon Judkins said: “Quality health care outcomes are dependent on high functioning teams across the hospital setting.
“Regardless of where it is occurring, the behaviours reported in the survey not only pose a risk to the health, safety and professional wellbeing of those who are subjected to it, but also have an adverse effect on the workplace, the training environment, and the provision of care.
“If we don’t treat each other with kindness, how can we expect patients to receive the best care?
“The Government must ensure all the recommendations are adopted so health workers can do their job in a respectful and inclusive environment. This includes improving clinical engagement to ensure collaboration between the frontline workforce and senior executives within ACT Public Health Services.
“As the College undergoes its own journey to confront bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in emergency medicine, we look forward to working with the Government to bring about meaningful cultural change across ACT Health that will result in improved patient outcomes.
“The College also recognises bullying, discrimination and harassment in the medical profession is not only isolated to ACT Health, and will work with all governments and health authorities across the country to improve behaviour.”
Background
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
Contact
Andre Khoury
ACEM Public Affairs Manager
03 8679 8813
0498 068 023
[email protected]