doctor

Penalty rates under the
VMO Determinations
We have recently received a number of
enquiries from VMOs regarding loadings
under the VMO Determinations for
performing weekend work. The enquiries
are coming within a context of a push
by industry bodies in the retail and
hospitality sectors to abolish weekend
penalty rates, as well as the much
publicised striking of junior doctors in
England’s National Health Service as a
response to the proposed “seven day
working week”.
The VMO Sessional Determination allows
for a 25% call-back loading for services
outside the ordinary hours of 8am to 6pm
Monday to Friday. Similarly, the VMO
Fee for Service Determination provides
for 110% of the relevant MBS fee for the
provision of emergency services outside
of ordinary hours.
However, the VMO Determinations
are silent on the issue of allowances
for rostered weekend work i.e. prescheduled
lists or shifts which do not fall
under the definition of a call-back.
Of course, it has historically been the
case that after hours and weekend
services have been provided by
VMOs under the on call and call-back
arrangements. The VMO Determinations
are based on that historical practice
and simply do not envisage a situation
where VMOs are required to provide
pre-scheduled services. As some public
hospitals move to schedule weekend
lists/shifts, more VMOs are likely to have
concerns regarding weekend work, and
whether or not they wish to participate in
such arrangements.
AMA (NSW) will be considering this issue
over the next few months and consulting
with members.
Should you have any questions or
concerns regarding remuneration for
weekend work in the public system,
please be in contact with the
Medico-Legal and Industrial team
at 9439 8822. dr.
amansw.com.au I 29