Mass Resignations of Psychiatrists Lead to Mental Health Beds Closure in Australia
Mass Resignations of Psychiatrists Lead to Mental Health Beds Closure in Australia
Australia's New South Wales (NSW) public hospitals are closing more than 60 mental health beds temporarily due to mass resignations of psychiatrists. The doctors are protesting against the government's refusal to agree to a 25% pay increase. As a result, hospitals are implementing emergency plans, leading to delayed decisions on discharge or further care for psychiatric patients. The state minister for mental health, Rose Jackson, confirmed that 43 psychiatrists had resigned, and the number was expected to rise. However, she stated that the government had secured 23 locums to fill the roles. The closure of mental health beds is causing concerns among psychiatrists, who fear it will impact the quality of care for patients.