Psychiatrists flee public health system in record numbers

Psychiatrists are fleeing the public system in record numbers. According to health authorities, the psychiatry workforce only meets 56 per cent of the national demand for psychiatrists in mental health services. It has doctors being forced to discharge patients from psychiatric wards weeks before they are fully recovered from spells of psychotic illnesses. Up to one in four public sector psychiatry positions are available in certain states due to the shortage. According to The Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatry, there are estimates up to 30 per cent of New South Wales’ psychiatrists are considering leaving the profession within the next five years.