NSW Mental Health Crisis: Psychiatrists Resign En Masse Over Pay Dispute
A crisis is unfolding in the New South Wales mental health system as psychiatrists resign en masse over a pay dispute with the state government. More than 40 psychiatrists have already resigned, with nearly 100 more threatening to follow, after the government rejected their demand for a 25 percent pay increase.
The psychiatrists argue that the pay rise is necessary to address chronic understaffing, poor working conditions, and an impending system collapse. They warn that the current situation is unsustainable and puts immense pressure on an already stretched workforce.
The Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has raised alarm bells, stating that the mass resignations will significantly impact vulnerable patients and could lead to trainee psychiatrists being pressured to handle cases beyond their expertise.
In response to the crisis, the NSW government has deployed locum doctors as a temporary solution, but this measure comes at a high cost, with each locum costing at least $3,000 per day. Despite these efforts, the impact of the resignations is already being felt, with over 60 mental health beds closing and some hospitals limiting psychiatric assessments.
NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson maintains that the government has the situation under control, stating that “other health professionals” are stepping up and that contingency plans are in place for high-risk patients and court mental health assessments. However, concerns remain about the ability of other health professionals to adequately replace the specialized expertise of psychiatrists.
The RANZCP has pointed out that it warned the government about the staffing crisis two years ago, but the issues raised have not been addressed. The College argues that the government’s inaction is unfair to both patients and psychiatrists.
The pay dispute will be heard by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission from March 17 to 21, but the impact of the resignations is already causing significant disruption to the state’s mental health services.
The outcome of the dispute will have far-reaching consequences for the mental health system in NSW and the wellbeing of countless patients.
