Unseen crisis leaving Aussies at risk

New South Wales: The mental health system is in serious trouble. Patients are suffering because there aren’t enough staff to help them. It’s a real mess, and people are paying the price.

Doctors are sounding the alarm. They say the system is broken, with empty beds in mental health units due to staff shortages. This means patients who need urgent care are being turned away.

One psychiatrist, Ian Korbel, is among many who are resigning over pay disputes. He’s been in the field for 20 years and knows firsthand how critical these services are. When patients are in high dependency units, they’re often at risk of harming themselves or others.

Right now, Campbelltown’s mental health unit can’t even use most of its beds. It’s a statewide issue, with some facilities halting admissions altogether. It’s like a domino effect, and it’s only getting worse.

Dr. Korbel points out that when beds are closed, emergency departments get overwhelmed. Patients end up waiting days for a bed, often being overmedicated just to keep them calm. It’s not how care should work.

In Mt Druitt, Dr. Kean-Seng Lim has seen the fallout. Patients in crisis are being sent back from mental health services, which means he has less time for other patients with different health issues. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.

Dr. Lim shared a story about a patient who was turned away from mental health services and ended up in the emergency room after harming himself. It’s heartbreaking to see this happen, and it’s not an isolated case.

Many patients are falling through the cracks. Some are lost to the system for weeks, only to be found homeless later. It’s a real tragedy, and Dr. Lim emphasizes that it’s not the fault of the healthcare providers. They’re just overwhelmed.

Currently, only a third of psychiatrist positions in NSW are filled. The government is aware of the issue and is trying to recruit more staff, but it’s a slow process. Meanwhile, psychiatrists are pushing for a pay increase to help improve care.

Dr. Gunaratne from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists says the crisis affects everyone. The system is failing, and it’s not fair to those who need help. NSW has the lowest mental health spending in the country, and it shows.

With many psychiatrists considering leaving for better pay elsewhere, the state is trying to fill gaps with temporary workers at a high cost. It’s a short-term fix that isn’t sustainable. Without a solid plan, things are likely to get worse.