New South Wales grapples with mass resignations by psychiatrists

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists NSW chair Pramudie Ganuratne addresses media during a press conference, Sydney, Thursday, January 23, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGE

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The New South Wales public mental health system is buckling under pressure, as the state grapples with mass resignations by psychiatrists. Leaked hospital records from one of Sydney's major hospital emergency departments reveal some severely distressed patients are waiting up to three-and-a-half days for care.

Key Points

Over 200 public sector psychiatrists in NSW have resigned due to low salaries and staff shortages.
Proposed reforms to the public mental health system would see 5,600 nurses manage care for mental health patients, including diagnosis and recovery.
Nurses and experts argue that psychiatrists cannot be replaced, as they undergo specialized training that other professionals do not have.

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