Working in Australian public hospitals

Australian hospitals compare very well with those of other countries. Generally well-equipped, they use the latest technology for everything from diagnosis and pathology to administration. Among other things, this allows for the speedy dissemination of medical information from one area to another and greatly assists the level of service provided to patients.

You may find that doctors (and other healthcare professionals) hold much greater influence in the hospital environment than may be the case in some other countries. This is partly a result of the large representation of doctors and nurses among hospital management (including most hospital directors and senior management staff). This influence has proven to benefit both medical staff and patients alike.

Another difference you may experience is in the laid-back (relaxed) attitudes of medical staff in Australia. Each hospital maintains its own standards, but it is common for doctors to wear fairly casual clothing (although they should be neat and presentable) and not wear a white coat or a tie. Likewise, this is reflected in the working environment, which tends to be fairly informal and friendly.

There is great mutual respect between all health professionals in the Australian system. Everyone sees themselves as part of a team, which includes the patients, with each member having a vital role. It is common for nurses to provide opinions to doctors and, as the health professionals with the most frequent patient contact, these opinions are highly valued by doctors who treat nurses with respect.