Doctors unite ahead of South Australian election

RACP South Australian Committee Chair, Associate Professor Andrew Lee, met with representatives from nine other medical colleges today to present a three-point plan for the incoming South Australian Government.

For the first time, doctors across South Australia stand united, calling for healthcare to be front and centre this election.

Speaking at a media conference outside the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, Associate Professor Lee called on all parties to commit to three clear priorities ahead of the March election:

• map the state's healthcare gaps
• plan the medical workforce properly
• cut the red tape that stops doctors working where they're needed.

The RACP will also publish our own pre-election statement closer to the election.

“South Australia needs a sustainable physician workforce to ensure equitable access to high quality healthcare" says Associate Professor Lee.

"Physicians and trainee physicians consistently report concerns about workforce shortages, rising clinical workloads, and low levels of doctor wellbeing that potentially affect patient outcomes."

"The elected government must act to meet patient need, improving physician access, remove barriers to hospital discharge, and focus on preventive health. These are critical steps to boost patient care and preserve South Australia's reputation for world-class healthcare.”

Read the joint election priorities

The RACP stands united with:

• Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
• Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
• Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
• College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
• The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners