Doctors warned ‘aggressive’ tactic will impact families

Sydney: Jess reached out for help during a mental health crisis, but the emergency doctors directed her to a private hospital.

She shared, “Even though I was acutely suicidal and manic, I wasn’t admitted publicly.”

Jess, using a pseudonym for privacy, ended up spending weeks in private psychiatric wards in Sydney, costing her family around $20,000 for just three weeks.

Luckily, her parents had private health insurance and were there for her emotionally.

But many others might not have that option as New South Wales faces a looming mental health crisis. The public psychiatrist workforce could drop to just 21% of its full strength.

Plans are being rushed to handle 203 resignations expected soon, including hiring some back for $3000 a day.

Mental health experts say the public system is failing due to low salaries and chronic understaffing.

Emergency specialist Lex Narushevich put it bluntly: “This isn’t a crisis, it’s a collapse.”

Psychiatrist in training James Leader echoed this sentiment, expressing concern for his colleagues.

Families and friends will likely bear the brunt of this crisis, along with emergency departments and mental health workers, according to a consumer advocate.

Giancarlo de Vera pointed out that the situation reflects years of underinvestment in mental health, calling for major reforms and funding increases.

“Mental health is 15% of the burden of disease in NSW but only gets 5% of the health funding,” he noted.

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson met with psychiatrists and acknowledged the grim reality, stating, “I don’t think mental health has been properly funded in this state.”

She urged specialists to avoid “aggressive and dangerous tactics” like mass resignations.

“Walking away doesn’t help anyone, especially the patients,” she added.

Finding funds for improvements without raising taxes is already a challenge, especially with the psychiatrists’ 25% wage claim.

Plans are in place to manage the expected mass resignations, including setting up an emergency coordination center and relying more on contract doctors.

Regional hospitals might not feel the impact as much since they already depend heavily on contracted psychiatrists.

However, this approach isn’t sustainable long-term, officials warned.

Chief psychiatrist Murray Wright encouraged those struggling with mental health issues to seek help without hesitation.

“We’re doing everything we can to maintain our services to a high standard,” he reassured.

If you or someone you know needs help, Lifeline is available at 13 11 14 and beyondblue at 1300 22 4636.