AROUND 200 public health psychiatrists in New South Wales have stated their intention to resign, with the earliest effective dates from January 20, in relation to a claim about their conditions of employment.
The psychiatrists, citing chronic understaffing and low pay, are asking for a 25 per cent base pay increase over one year.
The state government offered a 10.5 per cent increase over three years.
The resignations will have a significant impact on the public health system, including mental health services, social services, and criminal justice systems.
NSW Health says psychiatrists working in the public health system are a critically important part of the teams that provide specialist mental health services to people experiencing serious mental health illnesses.
NSW Health greatly values these psychiatrists and is urging them to reconsider and continue to work towards solutions to the concerns they have raised.
However, NSW Health has plans in place to try to manage the expected impact next week and to continue to provide care, particularly to those people most in need.
These plans include establishing the Mental Health Emergency Operations Centre to co-ordinate efforts through the NSW public health system.
Despite these plans, if the resignations proceed, NSW Health acknowledges it will cause extensive disruption to mental health services and the broader public health system.
NSW Health will continue to keep the community informed of potential impacts to health services.
If someone has attempted or is at immediate risk of attempting to harm themselves or someone else call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
In addition to mental health care services, if someone is experiencing mental health distress, or you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, you can contact the mental health line on 1800 011511 for advice and connection to specialist mental health services as well as the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648911, Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm).
Telephone support is available through the following services:
Lifeline (24/7) crisis support: 13 11 14;
Beyond Blue (24/7) for mental health advice and support: 1300 224636; and
Kids Helpline (24/7) support for children or young adults: 1800 551800.
If you or someone you know needs general mental health support, use NSW Health’s mental health service finder to find the right care: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/…/support-contact-list.aspx
