More than 200 individual senior NSW psychiatrists have resigned, citing patient safety concerns, effective before the end of January. 

We implore the NSW Government to work with the doctor’s union as a matter of urgency to find a solution.

The loss of over 200 senior psychiatrists from within the health system will significantly impact people with acute and critical mental health care 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.

Trainee psychiatrists may experience pressure to provide care and treatment to people with severe mental illness for which they are not yet fully qualified. These doctors need the support of skilled supervisors to provide appropriate supervision and care as they train. Without in-house leadership and oversight, we are extremely concerned for trainee wellbeing and patient care.

The workforce shortages of psychiatrists will force patients to seek urgent care from other health providers and emergency departments, which are already stressed and at capacity. We are concerned that some people will find themselves in the judicial system as a consequence of lack of access to health care.

The concerns about the impact inadequate staffing levels will have for patients and families in the NSW health system were initially raised two years ago and highlighted in this workforce report published by RANZCP. The issues impacting our members workplaces have not been addressed by Government in that time, which is unfair on patients and impacts psychiatrists’ and trainees’ wellbeing. 

This is part of a wider issue. In the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says Australia “needs a system that ensures people can access help easily and early before mental health conditions worsen, and that provides compassionate, person-centred and effective care”.

The RANZCP asks that the NSW Government rapidly resolves this situation to maintain a sustainable and appropriately resourced public mental health system, where people want to work, that allows psychiatrists and trainees to deliver accessible, equitable care to the community. 

We know that many of our members are working hard to support each other at this difficult time and the College is also encouraging members to access the free and confidential support offered through the RANZCP Member Support Program. 

The Drs4Drs service is also available to members and can provide independent, free, and confidential services across Australia.