Doctors in private practice across NSW are vulnerable to increased risks of abuse and violence from patients because they have been left out of recent criminal legislation amendments, it is being claimed.
The AMA (NSW) says medical practices around the state are reporting an escalation in problem behaviour from patients, including swearing, shouting, slapping, and punching doctors and medical staff.
Of 378 medical practices surveyed by the AMA branch, 88% said they had experienced verbal aggression, while 37% have endured physical aggression.
Some staff required medical treatment after patient assaults, with the frequency of violent behaviour rising during the pandemic.
Despite this, private practices were left out of reforms introduced this year by the NSW Government that created new offences ranging from 12 months to 14 years in prison for offenders assaulting frontline health or emergency workers.
The bill, which came into effect on 19 October, applies to paramedics, pharmacists and pharmacy staff, community first responders, community health workers, and anyone working in a hospital setting.
“In effect, the bill excludes a range of healthcare providers, including general and private practitioners,” said AMA (NSW) president Dr Bonning.
“The NSW Government often talks about GPs and other private specialists being a respected part of the health system but when the opportunity arises to protect everyone equally, we are left out.
“NSW now has an opportunity to send a message that this type of behaviour is not acceptable in any setting, including medical practices.”
A GP in Sydney and former Royal Australian Navy medical officer, Dr Bonning has previously shared his own experience of being attacked by a patient while working late at night at a private medical practice.
In an interview with The Australian last month (link here), he said the incident began when an agitated and drug dependent patient walked in repeatedly asking for his “usual prescription” for opioid medication.
When Dr Bonning questioned the 40-year-old, the man “coiled up” before lunging “to take a swing” at him.
“In my personal case, I’m six foot five, 100 kilos – I’m not a small person and I’m not usually intimidated by many things,” Dr Bonning told the newspaper.
“But to feel scared in your own place of work – to feel like there is a real risk of harm to yourself is just horrible, like your heart is beating out of your own throat.”