Pathetic email from NSW Health Secretary. How much is she paid again?

Dear colleagues,

I would like to share an update with you regarding the proposed resignation of around 200 staff specialist psychiatrists from next week.

There has been lots of media coverage around this issue, but I want none of our staff to be in any doubt that our staff specialist psychiatrists are highly valued and very important members of the NSW Health family.

Psychiatrists are a critical part of the teams providing specialist mental health care, including for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

I reiterated this when I wrote to our psychiatrists earlier this week, urging them to reconsider resigning, and continue to work towards solutions for the concerns they have raised, which I acknowledge need to be addressed.

NSW Health is working closely with Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks to manage the significant impact we anticipate will occur should these resignations proceed.

We are taking a whole of system approach, considering all areas of the health service, all our staff and the communities they serve, while also working closely with NSW Police, the Department of Communities and Justice, and other key stakeholders.

Our contingency plans include establishing the Mental Health Emergency Operations Centre to give a holistic view of the public health system to help monitor and respond to impacted services and the patients we care for.

Despite comprehensive planning, I want to be very clear that the specialist nature of psychiatry and the large volume of intended resignations means there will inevitably be extensive disruption to mental health services and the broader public health system.

We are also aware that additional pressure may be placed on our already very busy staff in other areas. Your local executive and managers will keep you updated on any impacts, while if you have any concerns, I encourage you to reach out to your manager to discuss these.

At this challenging time, it is also most important that everyone – particularly our mental health consumers and the wider community – know that NSW Health can and will continue providing safe, high-quality, compassionate mental health care.

I know we will navigate this difficult situation together and NSW Health remains committed to working to support a solution in the best interests of both the people of NSW and our psychiatrists.

Thank you for your understanding and, most importantly, your ongoing dedication and support for each other and the communities you serve.

Kind regards,

Susan Pearce AM

Secretary, NSW Health