Cape Times reports that a senior doctor has disclosed that doctors are taking prescription drugs to cope with working shifts of up to 36 hours and more.
He has disclosed that senior and junior doctors are resorting to desperate measures to stay awake while on duty. The senior doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many doctors were on anti-depressants, and that others take sleeping pills to fall asleep after working long shifts. He spoke of his anger and frustration after the death of a young intern who was killed in a car crash after she allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel after working a very long shift. Meanwhile, the Department of Health has acknowledged that doctors work long hours and is looking to remedy the situation. It has asked the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) to review the policy on working hours with a view to adjustment.
- Read this report by Carlo Petersen in full at Cape Times
- Read too, ‘How many car accidents have tired doctors caused? at Cape Times
- And also, Young doctors dangerously overworked, at Cape Times
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page