Senior doctors hold the fort while interns kick-up their heels.

Patients attending the Accident and Emergency Department at St Vincent's Hospital on Friday 14 January were in for a surprise.

Instead of being treated by junior doctors, they were seen by one of eight senior doctors, including award-winning cancer researcher, UNSW Professor Robyn Ward.

The staff manned the ward from 5.15pm until 10.30pm, while the junior doctors, including interns, junior medical officers and registrars, attended a party to celebrate the end of the hospital year and the start of a new one.

"It is a well-earned break for these junior doctors, who work such long hours," said Dr Tony Grabs, from UNSW's Clinical School at St Vincent's Hospital, who was on duty that night. "It is a way for the senior doctors and consultants to show appreciation for all their hard work. It is also a means of keeping up good relations with them."

It is an annual tradition for around 200 of the hospital's junior doctors take part in the festivities.