Newman Government’s public hospital contracts described as ‘disaster’ as psychiatrists prepare to leave public sector #qldpol #smoqld #keepourdoctors
THE Newman Government’s controversial public hospital contracts have been described as a “disaster’’ for vulnerable mentally ill patients, with psychiatrists preparing to leave the sector.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists president Murray Patton said the ability of the public hospital system to support Queenslanders with severe mental illnesses was likely to be severely compromised unless the row was resolved.
The issue was discussed at the college’s annual general Queensland branch meeting in Brisbane last night, with concerns raised at the number of psychiatrists planning to leave the public sector, estimated to be as high as 40 per cent of those working in metropolitan areas.
“There’s an implication of there not being sufficient psychiatrists to do the work,’’ Dr Patton said. “The psychiatrists left would put a priority on the most acute work. It would risk more people becoming acutely unwell because they may not get the preventive care and routine care that might be needed to help them stay well.’’
Dr Patton predicted the possibility of more “critical incidents’’ involving patients with mental illnesses if psychiatrists left the public sector.
“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,’’ he said.
“People being treated for mental illness in the public hospital system are one of the most vulnerable patient groups. It is deeply concerning that they are the ones who will suffer as a result of a decrease in psychiatrists in the Queensland Health system. Many people with mental illness simply can’t afford to access psychiatry services in the private sector.’’
The psychiatrists’ warning comes as Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg joined his Director-General Ian Maynard in meeting with doctors at the Townsville Hospital today to discuss concerns about the contracts.
“The implementation of a fair and accountable system to support the pay and conditions of senior doctors is essential in our pursuit of improved patient care,’’ Mr Springborg said.
`Across the state our senior medical officers can be assured that the Director-General and our industrial relations team is instructed to deliver contracts that are both accountable and fair.’’
Negotiations between senior doctor representatives and bureaucrats will continue in Brisbane tomorrow and Friday in a bid to thrash out an agreement.
But Mr Maynard has made it clear the government would not agree to rewrite legislation, as sought by doctor unions, including the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation and Together, to resolve the crisis.
Issues being discussed include the Director-General’s role in contract alterations, dismissal processes, linking key performance indicators with income, transfers, dispute arbitration, rostering and fatigue provisions.