NSW mental health system experiencing critical workforce challenges - key takeaways from Budget Estimates hearing for Mental Health

NSW mental health system experiencing critical workforce challenges – key takeaways from Budget Estimates hearing for Mental Health

On Friday 14 March, the NSW Budget Estimates hearing on Mental Health took place with Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. Rose Jackson.

Following the NSW Budget Estimates hearing for Health on Thursday 27 February, a hearing for Mental Health took place on Friday 14 March with Minister Jackson. The highlights and several key takeaways around mental health, psychiatrists, and HASI included:

Psychiatrist Workforce Crisis

There is a significant issue with the resignation of staff specialist psychiatrists in NSW Health. As of the latest update, 62 resignations have been processed and finalized, 38 have been withdrawn, 72 staff have transitioned to VMO roles, and 109 resignations have been deferred.
The Government has been negotiating with ASMOF and the college of psychiatrists, but the primary demand from the psychiatrists has been a 25% wage increase, which the Government has found untenable.
Contingency plans have been put in place, including the use of locums, virtual psychiatry hubs, and potential use of private hospitals for involuntary patients, although this has not yet been activated.

Virtual Psychiatry Hubs

Virtual psychiatry hubs have been established to provide clinician-to-clinician advice and support in areas where there is a shortage of psychiatrists. These hubs are hosted by Western NSW and Hunter New England LHDs.
The hubs are not intended to replace face-to-face psychiatric care but to provide support and advice to other mental health clinicians.
Acknowledgement of initial teething problems still being managed.

Impact on Psychiatric Registrars

Concerns have been raised about the impact of the psychiatrist resignations on psychiatric registrars, particularly regarding their supervision and training.
Efforts have been made to ensure that supervision and oversight continue, although this has been challenging in some areas.

HASI (Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative)

The Government acknowledges the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HASI and HASI Plus programs, which provide supported accommodation for people living with mental ill-health.
There is a commitment to considering five-year funding cycles for community-managed organizations in mental health, although specific details on the expansion of HASI programs in the next budget were not provided.

As the NSW mental health system continues to face significant shortages in public psychiatrists, it’s clear that urgent action is needed to ensure the sustainability and quality of services, including the strain on community-based mental health services and supports.

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