The Australian Medical Association Victoria has revealed a spike in the number of reports of staff mistreatment at Goulburn Valley Health; however, hospital chief executive Matt Sharp says it’s the first he’s heard of the issue.
AMA Victoria released a statement on January 27 to say it had written to the state government about ongoing workplace cultural issues perpetuated at GV Health, including at the executive level.
“Over the years, AMA Victoria members have often contacted us to report mistreatment, including by members of the senior executive team at the (Goulburn Valley) health service,” the statement read.
“The last 12 months has seen a rapid escalation in the number of calls and disputes being brough(t) to our attention.”
Mr Sharp subsequently wrote to AMA to ask for clarification regarding the allegations.
“We first became aware (when) the AMA published the reference to the workplace culture issues in a news bulletin,” he said, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
“As a result of that, I’ve written to the AMA myself requesting a meeting for the opportunity to discuss some of the concerns.
“At this stage, we haven’t received anything further than what’s been published in the AMA’s bulletin.”
AMA Victoria alleges an “alarming number” of practitioners have left GV Health on poor terms after disputes arising from management action.
The AMA said the Shepparton-based health service “is doing nothing to improve the situation” despite numerous requests from the association.
But Mr Sharp had not heard of any “widespread concerns about the workplace” that might have resulted in the rise in reports made to the medical association.
“We employ just over 3000 people across GV Health ... there will be from time to time instances where staff are not finding their work environment as good as they otherwise would like it,” he said.
“There’s nothing in particular that is causing more general or widespread concerns.”
Mr Sharp said GV Health was “making some really good ground in improving our culture and wellbeing”.
“We’re doing a range of things to support our staff,” he said.
“And as I’ve said, like any other organisation we deal with (workplace concerns) respectfully and in accordance with our values.”