The mental health landscape in New South Wales is facing a potential crisis as approximately 200 psychiatrists are reportedly preparing to leave the public health system.
This mass resignation, with the first departures beginning on January 20, has raised alarm bells about the continuity of mental health services and the potential for a significant treatment gap for those in need.
With the current situation, NSW Health has taken to social media to express their appreciation for the psychiatrists, imploring them to reconsider their decision to leave. They have also announced contingency plans, including the establishment of a Mental Health Emergency Operations Centre, aimed at coordinating efforts across the NSW public health system to mitigate the impact of these resignations.
Despite these measures, NSW Health stated that if the resignations go ahead, there will be ‘extensive disruption to mental health services and the broader public health system.’
Meanwhile, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists highlighted the severe consequences the mass resignation will have on individuals with acute and critical mental health needs.
‘These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community and disruption to their care will have wide-ranging impacts for them, their families, and carers,’ they said in a statement.
The heart of the issue reportedly lies in an ongoing pay dispute. The Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF), representing the doctors, is holding out for a pay increase that reflects the value of their work and addresses the discrepancy between how much the NSW public health service pays them compared to other states.
Currently, a three per cent increase is on the table, but ASMOF argues that this falls short of the mark, with a 30 per cent gap in comparison to interstate pay rates.
Moreover, the union is calling for action on the shortage of psychiatrists within the system, citing that one in three positions remain unfilled. This shortage, coupled with the impending mass resignation, could spell disaster for public health and the welfare of patients who rely on these essential services.
Ian Lisser, acting executive director of ASMOF, voiced the frustration and desperation of the psychiatrists, stating that they have been working in a ‘crumbling system’ for months and have been left with ‘little choice’ but to resign.
‘[T]hey have been telling (Health Minister) Ryan Park the situation is untenable, and now they have been backed into the corner,’ he said.
We at YourLifeChoices are closely monitoring this developing story and will provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, we encourage our readers to share their thoughts and experiences.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the challenges in accessing mental health services? What do you think should be done to address the shortage of mental health professionals? Join the conversation below.
Also read: Loneliness can be a problem in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, but residents are fighting back
