NSW Government Prepares for Mass Resignation of Psychiatrists, Looks to Private Sector for Support

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The New South Wales (NSW) government is making contingency plans to transition public psychiatry patients to private hospitals in response to a significant upcoming resignation of state psychiatrists. On January 23, 205 psychiatrists will resign, representing nearly two-thirds of the workforce in a system already facing a 30% to 40% vacancy rate among its 443 positions.

The mass resignations arise from failed negotiations over a proposed 25% pay increase for psychiatrists, which parallels a pay initiative granted to emergency doctors in 2015. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged the crisis, stating that the government seeks to engage the private sector for additional workforce support.

An email from Ramsay Mental Health Australia, the largest private mental health provider in the country, confirmed discussions to establish public-private contracts to assist in caring for patients. However, significant concerns have been raised by psychiatrists regarding the appropriateness of private facilities to handle high-risk patients, who represent over half of public hospital admissions.

Dr. Tanya Ahmed, a psychiatrist with experience in both sectors, criticized the government's plans as hasty and lacking a comprehensive understanding of the mental healthcare system. She emphasized that private hospitals cannot accommodate high-risk patients due to legal restrictions and inadequate staffing.

Despite the efforts to ensure continuity of care, experts warn that the current situation may leave vulnerable patients without necessary treatment, as both public and private sectors struggle with workforce shortages. NSW Health officials maintain that they are implementing measures to manage the impact of the psychiatrist resignations.

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