Psychiatrist shortage halts Campbelltown hospital bed expansion

A Sydney hospital is struggling to expand its mental health services because of a shortage of psychiatrists. Campbelltown hospital had plans to increase its psychiatric beds from 66 to over 100. This change was necessary due to a rise in mental health cases in the area. However, the hospital could not move forward with the expansion, a court heard. Dr. Brett Oliver, medical director for the South Western Sydney Local Health District, spoke during a court hearing related to doctors’ pay disputes. The Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (Asmof) is pushing for a 25% pay raise for psychiatrists to prevent them from leaving the public health system. This January, many psychiatrists in New South Wales considered resigning, with some already having done so. During cross-examination, Dr. Oliver confirmed that the hospital also faced staffing problems in its adolescent mental health units. The district has relied on visiting medical officers (VMOs) to fill gaps left by permanent specialists. Oliver noted that the position of the clinical director for old age psychiatry has also become part-time, further affecting staffing. The union emphasized the difference between VMOs, who focus on clinical care, and permanent staff specialists, who also play roles in leadership and education. However, Dr. Justine Harris from NSW Health disagreed, stating there was no significant difference in work quality between staff specialists and VMOs. In addition, NSW Health's financial officer, Alfa D’Amato, revealed that the government had not calculated the costs associated with replacing permanent doctors with VMOs. There are concerns about costs rising significantly as 72 permanent psychiatrists have changed to VMO roles this year. The hearing, which might continue until Friday, addresses these staffing and budget issues in detail.