The doctors' union has warned that a draft social media policy from New South Wales Health could silence frontline workers speaking out about patient care. The 'final draft' document, seen by the union, extends rules to internal tools like Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp, and instructs staff to report concerns about colleagues' social media use to managers.
Dr Nicholas Spooner, president of the NSW branch of the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation, said the union has seen a growing number of cases where NSW Health uses internal policies to intimidate or discipline staff who speak publicly. He described the policy as a 'clear attempt to gag frontline voices'.
Dr Ian Korbel, an ASMOF councillor and psychiatrist, criticised the inclusion of internal messaging, calling it 'Orwellian'. He said doctors have a responsibility to advocate for patients, and that the policy seems to discourage advocacy for system improvements. Korbel noted that NSW Health's stated values of openness and respect are not reflected in its culture.
A NSW Health spokesperson said the draft is an update to existing guidance, aligned with the Office of the Public Service Commission's March 2024 advice. The spokesperson emphasised that the agency supports the right of staff to express views and advocate, but encourages raising concerns through internal channels first.
Dr Fahad Khan, a junior doctor and union delegate, said working conditions have been raised internally for years without resolution, leading to the first strike since 1998. He also suggested the policy could target healthcare workers vocal about the Gaza conflict, a concern echoed by the peak GP body over vexatious complaints to the health regulator.
