In New South Wales, mental health wards, including those at Cumberland psychiatric hospital, have begun to close amid a potential mass resignation of psychiatrists. The NSW Industrial Relations Commission is set to hear a dispute triggered by more than 200 psychiatrists' demands for a significant pay increase. While some psychiatrists have rescinded or deferred resignations, a substantial number still plan to leave, exacerbating a shortage in the already vacant psychiatrist positions. Stakeholders emphasize the issue is rooted in recruitment and retention challenges, rather than mere industrial disputes over pay.
At Cumberland psychiatric hospital, the largest mental health facility in NSW and the oldest in Australia, acute and rehabilitation wards have closed.
The NSW branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists predicts more mental health wards will follow due to psychiatrist resignations.
Over 200 psychiatrists indicated they would resign after the government refused a 25% pay increase in a single year, affecting recruitment and retention.
Dr. Pramudie Gunaratne mentioned that the majority of resignations took effect on Tuesday, despite the administration not processing the paperwork yet.
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