By NOEL MURPHY
THE CORONER is investigating the death of a Geelong hospital intern suspected of suiciding a week after starting work.
The man, aged around 30, was one of four recent suicides at Geelong and Melbourne hospitals cited in a Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) report on workplace harassment, workloads and mental health issues among medical staff.
A coroner’s office spokesperson said the investigation could take several months.
“It’s very early days. Autopsies, reports et cetera can take a long time,” the spokesperson said.
“At this stage the death has been reported and we’re investigating and putting together the medical information.”
Sydney University’s Dr Kimberley Ivory told the MJA that workplace issues confronting medical staff were “a perfect storm that’s been a long time coming”.
Dr Kimberley Ivory told the Independent this week she would not comment on specific health institutions but said individual cases highlighted problems at the “systemic level”.
“It’s a significant problem that comes up again and again,” she said.
“At the moment we’re seeing a lot of reaction, which is a good thing. We need to take advantage of that to keep a constructive conversation going to address the issue at a systemic level.
“These are very complex organisations here, made up of all sorts of individuals. Some organisations are taking it very seriously.
“The College of Surgeons, regarding sexual harassment, is taking it very seriously with its response. It’s not just an issue for surgeons but across the board.
“I think it’s a serious issue to be addressed but at this point we’re just looking at how to.”
Dr Ivory said individual medical professions must address similar problems along with “others in the workplace, administration in particular”.
Barwon Health said the well-being of staff was of “utmost importance”.
A comprehensive care service was available to assist staff and trainees to build resilience, including a program tailored specifically for doctors, Barwon Health said.
The organisation expected individuals to exhibit appropriate behaviours in the workplace and to ensure its work environment was free from all forms of unacceptable behaviour.
“There is a well-documented process in place for managing complaints and employees are encouraged to report inappropriate behaviour for investigation and action.”
Letters, page 11
