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About half of the general surgeons in each of Adelaide's three major public hospitals are preparing to resign, as the crisis in the state's health system worsens.
Last week about half of Adelaide's emergency department doctors tendered their resignations to take effect in two weeks unless their pay demands are met.
The South Australia government says senior emergency department doctors now earn A$313,158 ($395,000) annually and its offer will take them to A$355,976, but the doctors want a rise to A$424,633.