Fears consumers will suffer as outcome of Queensland contracts – Media release by The Royal Australian and NZ College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) #qldpol #smoqld #keepourdoctors #ranzcp
Psychiatrists fear consumers will suffer as a consequence of the Queensland government’s efforts to introduce employment contracts for all senior psychiatrists in the public mental health sector.
‘People being treated for mental illness in the public hospital system are one of the most vulnerable patient groups’ said President Dr Murray Patton at the Brisbane Annual General Meeting last night. ‘It is deeply concerning that they are the ones who will suffer as a result of any decrease in psychiatrists in the Queensland Health system’.
Consumer advocates such as Noel Muller from Queensland Voice are also speaking out about the issue. ‘Many people with mental illness simply can’t afford to access psychiatry services in the private sector’ he says.
Queensland psychiatrists attended the RANZCP Annual General Meeting in Brisbane last night where the introduction of employment contracts for all Queensland health senior clinicians was a topic of great concern.
‘Under the current circumstances the ability of the public hospital system to support Queenslanders with mental health issues is likely to be seriously compromised. Some projections indicate a loss of 40% of the workforce. This is a disaster for Queensland’s mental health.’ said President Dr Murray Patton
‘Six months ago there was strong competition among senior doctors to work in Queensland public mental health services, now we have vacant positions and locums are being hired at considerable cost.
‘Our members are voting with their feet’ said Dr Patton ‘Psychiatrists are refusing to the sign the new contracts and senior positions in both metropolitan and regional locations are now vacant. This presents a considerable risk to consumers.
‘Consumers deserve high quality mental health services in a multi-disciplinary team that includes senior psychiatrists. In the absence of senior psychiatrists there is decreased oversight and an increased risk of critical incidents’ said Dr Patton.
‘Psychiatrists also have a special role to play under the Queensland Mental Health Act where they monitor consumers who are under involuntary treatment orders. In the absence of senior psychiatrists, there is a risk that consumers may not be adequately monitored, or remain under involuntary treatment orders longer than they may need. We are also concerned about ensuring quality training for trainee psychiatrists which may not be possible without clinical leadership.
‘The College is acutely concerned about this situation. Psychiatrists train for more than twelve years in clinical environments so they are able to lead the treatment of complex illnesses such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder and severe depression. People with these chronic conditions need immediate and ongoing medical help’.
The new employment contracts affect all senior doctors across multiple medical specialties. Complaints from psychiatrists include a lack of protection from unfair dismissal, inadequate dispute resolution processes and no right of consultation on changing of employment conditions including hours and location or work and remuneration. Anecdotal evidence suggests that psychiatrists are leaving the public hospital system and moving into private practice.
For interviews: Johanna de Wever on (03) 9601 4940 or (0437) 315 911 or Johanna.dewever@ranzcp.org
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the principal organisation training and representing qualified medical practitioners who specialize in the treatment of mental illness in Australia and New Zealand.