The recent industrial action by doctors across New South Wales has brought to light critical issues within the healthcare system—namely excessive workloads, inadequate compensation, and a pressing need for systemic reform.
As healthcare professionals advocate for improved conditions, it’s imperative that healthcare organisations explore innovative, proactive solutions to support both staff wellbeing and operational resilience.
Understanding the Core Issues
Doctors in public hospitals have raised alarm bells about consistently long hours with insufficient rest, leading to burnout and potential risks to patient care.
For example, Henry Crayton, a junior doctor, reported working 135 hours in a fortnight, overseeing more than 150 patients per shift—a workload he described as “completely normal” (SBS News). This scenario is not unique and reflects wider systemic strain across the sector.
Such conditions take a toll not only on the physical and mental health of doctors but also compromise the safety and quality of care delivered to patients (The Guardian, ABC News).
The Role of Core Schedule in Supporting Healthcare Professionals
At Core Schedule, we understand the complexities involved in healthcare workforce management. Our suite of smart scheduling tools is designed to help organisations balance operational needs with the wellbeing of clinical staff.
✅ Core Compliance Module
Adhering to labour laws and organisational policies is essential. Core Compliance automates the tracking of work hours, fatigue limits, rest breaks, and overtime. It offers real-time alerts and detailed reporting to flag compliance breaches—empowering rostering managers to make timely adjustments and prevent chronic overwork.
✅ Core Contingency Module
Unplanned absences, surge events, and industrial action call for rapid response. Core Contingency enables healthcare leaders to activate alternate staffing plans on the fly—drawing from on-call pools, standby teams, or redeploying internal resources. In a climate of unpredictability, this module helps ensure continuity of care while easing administrative burdens.
✅ Core Allocation / Role Assignment Module
Efficient distribution of tasks and equitable workload distribution are essential to prevent burnout. The Core Allocation module facilitates intelligent assignment of shifts and responsibilities, taking into account individual capacities, preferences, and compliance requirements. This strategic approach aids in creating balanced schedules that support both staff satisfaction and optimal patient care.
Proactive Measures to Prevent Future Disruptions
While the current strike underscores system-wide pressures, the pathway forward requires more than reactive fixes. Implementing robust scheduling, compliance, and contingency frameworks can help identify and address root causes of staff dissatisfaction—before they escalate.
When organisations support equitable rostering and operational flexibility, they build environments that retain top talent, reduce burnout, and consistently deliver high-quality care.
Conclusion
The challenges highlighted by the NSW doctors’ strike reveal a broader truth: sustainable healthcare starts with sustainable staffing.
By leveraging smart solutions like Core Compliance, Core Allocation, and Core Contingency, healthcare organisations can take real steps toward balance, fairness, and future readiness.
Supporting our doctors is not just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic priority.
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