Over 200 public health psychiatrists have stated their intention to resign, with exit dates as early as 20 January 2025.

NSW Health now reports that they will write to staff this week to urge them to reconsider their resignations.

In a statement, a spokesperson from NSW Health said, “NSW Health has plans in place to try to manage this impact and to continue to provide care, particularly to those people most in need.”

These plans include the establishment of the Mental Health Emergency Operations Centre to support patient intake, particularly in emergency visits involving vulnerable patients.

The public has expressed frustration over the resignation of 200 critical staff, citing their disillusionment with the already ‘broken’ mental health system. Comments on the NSW Health Facebook page raise concerns that patients may not receive critical mental health care due to the resignations, with some noting that the resignations were not a surprise.

“I know of psychiatrists that work 12–16-hour days, 6-7 days a week”

Discussions with staff are continuing, with updates expected later this week.

The public is encouraged to access support networks or private partner referrals. Free assistance is also available through the following services:

– Lifeline (24/7) support 13 11 14

– Beyond Blue (24/7) for mental health advice and support 1300 22 46 36

– Kids helpline (24/7) support for children or young adults 1800 55 1800

– Suicide Call Back Service support 1300 659 467

– 13YARN (24/7) support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 13 92 76

– Transcultural Mental Health Line call: 1800 648 911

A Transcultural Mental Health Line is also available for those who require urgent assistance in a language other than English.