Like many, I am horrified by the Dickensian and dangerous working hours for doctors in NSW public hospitals. (‘Urgent prep underway as doctor strike looms’, Echo April 7).
The new Tweed and Byron hospitals are a valuable asset for a fast-growing population across the region.
Bad budgeting by the NSW health minister has left us out in the cold, with a deficit of doctors! A shortage of doctors means longer wait times and life-threatening outcomes over the long winter months ahead.
Bring our new state-of-the-art hospitals up to a level playing field, meaning parity with other states; currently earning 30 per cent higher wages than NSW, and remedy the working conditions of doctors immediately.
NSW police fine truck drivers for unsafe hours on the road – doctors are expected to perform neurosurgery after ten hours on the job.
Minister Ryan Park, it’s time to listen to our doctors, take the prescription now!
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
