We the undersigned urge immediate action from State and Federal politicians to solve the South Australian medical workforce crisis. 

THE PROBLEM:

There is a critical shortage of doctors in South Australia. Staff shortages and heavy workloads are leading to unacceptable waits, reduced quality of care and medical staff burnout. 

THE SOLUTIONS:

There are clear and obvious solutions. 

1.    Train more local doctors in SA. 

Australia has a well-documented shortage of doctors. All political parties must commit to increasing funded medical school places.

2.    Develop a detailed medical workforce plan for SA.

South Australia has no medical workforce plan for our public health system. The State Government must work with SASMOA and our doctors to develop a Minimum Medical Staffing Model to reduce the risk to patients and our doctors.

3.    Recruit and retain enough medical staff in SA. 

The medical workforce plan will identify the number of doctors required to meet community need. The State Government must provide conditions that will attract and retain those doctors to work in South Australia instead of alternative locations. 

For more information visit: SaferMedicalStaffing.com.au