LETTERS: Excessive workloads are burdening junior doctors and housemen, particularly in the public sector.
This issue extends beyond hospitals and clinics, significantly affecting the personal lives and families of healthcare workers.
Employers must be sensitive and support the development of work policies for young parents.
The fact that nurseries are alerting parents about their children's attendance underscores the need for a holistic approach to address this crisis.
Here are suggestions to combat overwork and its ripple effects on family life:
INTRODUCE strict workload management protocols. Clear rules on work hours will ensure that healthcare professionals can balance their professional and personal lives, avoid burnout.
ESTABLISH onsite childcare facilities or form partnerships with nearby nurseries. This will alleviate the childcare burden of working parents in the healthcare sector.
DEVELOP health and wellness programmes. These programmes should address the physical and mental health needs of healthcare workers, providing them with the support to thrive in their professional and personal lives.
ADOPT flexible scheduling and part-time work options for parents with young children. This will accommodate the family responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
FOSTER a community and peer support system at the workplace.
This support network can offer emotional and practical assistance to parents navigating the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life.
The overwork crisis in healthcare demands attention and action. By embracing these suggestions, hospitals and clinics can cultivate a more supportive and sustainable working environment.
This not only prioritises the well-being of their employees, but also ensures the delivery of high-quality care to patients. The journey towards change is complex, requiring a committed effort from stakeholders.
However, through collective action and the implementation of thoughtful, compassionate policies, we can forge a path to a healthier, more balanced future for our healthcare workers and their families.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
