NSW Supreme Court decision sends wrong signals for health system
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said today the awarding of $300,000 to a former psychiatric patient by NSW Supreme Court judge, Michael Adams, will have a devastating impact on the Australian health system if hospitals are forced to 'detain' patients because of fears of litigation.
Dr Glasson said the decision appears not to recognise the enormous pressure and lack of resources facing Australian hospitals and everyone who works in the health system.
"There are not enough beds, not enough doctors and not enough resources in the system,"
Dr Glasson said.
"Hospitals and doctors cannot be expected to 'detain' patients in hospitals when they should be in other more appropriate institutions.
"The scarce resources of hospitals must remain freed up for urgent cases.
"This decision has set a dangerous precedent in many areas of Australian life.
"For the health system, it could cause chaos.
"Fear of litigation will mean non-urgent patients will clog up the system and deprive the severely injured and seriously ill of urgent medical care," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306