Private Cardiologists Voice Support for Colleagues in Canberra Hospital Dispute
As practising cardiologists across the Australian Capital Territory, we have experienced a profound sense of distress following recent developments in cardiology services at Canberra Hospital. Ten of our esteemed colleagues have been compelled to take Canberra Health Services to the Fair Work Commission, a move that underscores deep-seated concerns within the public health system.
A Simple Yet Alarming Claim
The core of their claim is both straightforward and deeply troubling. It alleges that these cardiologists, along with their patients, have been placed at significant risk within their own workplace. We write this not from a position of self-interest or a desire to prioritise our private patients exclusively. Our primary objective is to ensure that all residents of Canberra receive timely and effective cardiac care when they need it most.
When medical emergencies occur, we rely heavily on our colleagues within the public hospital system to provide critical care. If we fail to protect these dedicated clinicians, we risk losing a vital line of defence for the community.
Systemic Failures and Ignored Warnings
We wish to make it clear that our criticism is not directed at the hard-working and committed staff within Canberra Health Services. Instead, we are deeply concerned by what appears to be a profound systemic failure that has let down both healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Warning signs have been evident for some time. In March 2023, several of us expressed serious concerns in an open letter to Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith. We highlighted issues related to poor workplace culture within cardiology services, which contributed to high staff turnover. More importantly, we emphasised that wait times for essential elective cardiac procedures had fallen well below national standards.
Following this letter, we met with representatives from Canberra Health Services and Minister Stephen-Smith. We were assured that these issues were being actively addressed. However, the reality is that little has changed over the past three years.
Deteriorating Wait Times and Patient Care
Our collective experience as cardiologists paints a concerning picture. In 2020, patients requiring elective coronary angiography typically waited between three and eight weeks. By 2025, the average wait time for the same procedure has ballooned to two to six months.
This situation has forced us to advise uninsured patients, particularly those who cannot afford to wait due to medical necessity, to seek care at public hospitals in New South Wales. We have also observed that wait times for certain elective cardiac procedures continue to lag behind national benchmarks.
While the hospital asserts that truly urgent cases are prioritised, we have noted an increase in Category 2 classifications, where a three-month wait is deemed acceptable. As cardiologists and members of the Canberra community, we find these outcomes unacceptable.
The Backbone of Cardiology Services
The ten cardiologists who have lodged Fair Work claims are trusted colleagues who have exhausted every internal avenue within Canberra Health Services. They represent the backbone of our cardiology service, and their collective wisdom and clinical expertise are invaluable.
Losing these professionals would inevitably lead to poorer patient outcomes and significantly longer wait times for life-saving procedures. The time for action is now.
A Call to Action for the Community
As cardiologists and concerned Canberrans, we urge the community to take the following steps:
- Contact your representatives – reach out to your local MLA, federal MP, and senators to voice your concerns.
- Share your stories – if you or your loved ones have been affected by these systemic failures, make your experiences known.
This letter represents a firm step in advocating for clinicians who have made personal sacrifices to work in our public hospital. They, and their patients, deserve better. The Canberra community deserves better.
Yours in health,
Dr Siang Yong Soh, Dr Ata Doost, Dr Quinton Yang, Dr Ben Jacobson, Dr Chris Hii, Dr Darryl McGill
