Psychiatry Crisis Update

Last week we reported that the NSW Government has chosen to delegate the resolution of this psychiatry workforce crisis to the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC). The Government is pursuing an arbitration process through the IRC instead of engaging in good-faith negotiations to reach a fair agreement with the Union and our members.

Ensuring the ongoing safety of our members

Despite the NSW Government’s attempts to downplay the crisis, ASMOF understands over 100 resignations are already in effect and services are impacted, including bed closures.  

Our Union understands that many health services are ill-prepared and some of our members are experiencing increased and inappropriate workloads, including trainees.

In the last week, our Union has escalated WHS issues to Chief Executives and filed disputes in the Industrial Relations Commission to support our members and assist them in remaining protected at work.  

We are currently auditing all districts to ensure they are following WHS rules and proactively reaching out to employers regarding their plans to ensure a safe workplace during these staffing shortages.

Union intervention at Blacktown Hospital

Our Union filed an urgent dispute in the IRC in relation to WSLHD creating a new unit ‘C53’ in response to the mass resignations. Whilst the original purpose of the withdrawal unit was to admit patients with medical conditions solely related to addiction, ASMOF and its members were concerned that the ‘C53’ unit will admit patients with serious mental health conditions without any psychiatrist staffing.

During proceedings, the Ministry conceded that ASMOF and its members have not been properly consulted as per the requirements of the Staff Specialists Award.  

The Ministry agreed on record that:

“No ASMOF member will be directed to work outside their scope of practice”.

The Ministry and the District have also consented to ASMOF personnel (including staff and delegates) to undertake any relevant on-site risk assessments conducted by the hospital as a result of these changes.

What should I do if I am being asked to work beyond my normal duties?

Record the incident, note relevant details, notify your supervisor (if applicable), and contact ASMOF for support. We will ensure your rights and workplace safety are upheld.

How to raise workplace health and safety (WHS) issues

A lack of staffing and the subsequent stress poses safety risks in your workplace. If you believe it could cause harm (psychologically or physically) to you, your colleagues (including non-medical staff) and patients/attendees of the service, we advise you to:

• Contact ASMOF and organise a meeting with your colleagues to discuss workplace health and safety concerns.
• Notify the employer of any WHS risks as soon as possible in writing or via email.
• Develop a plan to utilise WHS laws to protect yourselves.
• Be committed to acting collectively. You and your colleague's greatest strength will be your unity.

We encourage everyone with WHS concerns to immediately contact the Union to seek support.

What does the arbitration mean for members?

The arbitration in the IRC is being pursued by the NSW Government in response to the specific issues facing the psychiatry workforce. The Union will be pushing for a 25% allowance increase for psychiatrists, an ask that has been endorsed by our psychiatry members.

If the Court decides on amendments to the Award or any allowances, this will apply to psychiatrists only. These amendments will NOT impact any doctors other than staff specialist psychiatrists.

The Union will be seeking similar changes for ALL salaried doctors through its separate Award negotiations with the NSW Government, which are ongoing.

Members across NSW Health need to turn their mind to what actions they are willing to take if the NSW Government is unable to meet your demands.

What are we asking for in negotiations?

You can read the full log of claims here. Our focus is on pay parity for NSW doctors, paid overtime for staff specialists, and improved on call/recall and professional development provisions. We are currently waiting on confirmation from the Ministry on future bargaining meeting dates.

Considering the psychiatrists' resignations, members must consider what they are willing to do to ensure that our demands are met. This needs to happen at a grassroots level, department by department, hospital by hospital.

To organise a meeting for your department, contact awardreform@asmof.org.au

Thank you for your continued support. We'll continue to update you on developments as negotiations unfold.

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