A life at risk

The loyal and grateful patient of one of the departing psychiatrists only found out this week that the specialist was “not renewing his contract” with the Western NSW Local Health District.

A decision not to fully cover the travel costs of visiting psychiatrists is being implemented by the health district.

The man, who identified himself to the Daily Liberal but asked to be called “Ted”, thinks health district bean counters don’t realise the “essential job these blokes do”.

“It’s got to be stressed that it is a really essential service,” said Ted, who battles depression.

“I’m not exaggerating, but we’re talking about people losing their lives over this, and I know they will because I know how I am.”

Yesterday afternoon the health district moved to assure Ted and others that there would be “no effect on patient services”.

“Patients will still receive mental health services,” said the district’s director of medical services Dr Clayton Spencer.

“Those who have been seeing one of the VMOs (visiting medical officers) who have not renewed their contract will be transferred to another psychiatrist.

“All patients will continue to receive the care they need. The district will continue to ensure there are sufficient psychiatry services to meet the needs of the community.”

Middle-aged Ted first started seeing the Sydney-based psychiatrist he calls “my backstop” eight years ago, after experiencing serious physical and emotional trauma.

“The thing is it takes you a long time to form a relationship with a psychiatrist and I’ve got that relationship with him,” he said.

“I just don’t know what I’m going to do when he doesn’t come any more.

“It’s a life-and-death situation for people like me. I’ve tried to commit suicide on two occasions.

“When you have depression you just never know when it’s going to hit.” 

Ted, who contacted the Daily Liberal after an appointment with his psychiatrist, said the specialist had previously “saved my life”.

“If I needed to see him I knew I could when he came to Dubbo,” he said.

“What happens now? I don’t know.”

Ted said he was “very depressed, very down” but not currently having suicidal thoughts.

The Daily Liberal understands that three visiting psychiatrists have declined to renew contracts, but Dr Spencer would not reveal how many had opted out, nor the number of patients in their care.

“There have been a minimal number of psychiatrists indicating they will no longer provide services,” he said.

“Until contracts are finalised exact numbers cannot be detailed.”

The director reiterated that the decision to pay travel bills “ beyond the first $300” only affected fly-in fly-out psychiatrists and confirmed “some other expenses, including accommodation, will continue to be covered by the district”.

“We have many psychiatrists living within our local areas,” he said.

Dr Spencer said the health district acknowledged that some patients were upset about the “withdrawal of their regular psychiatrist’s services due to this decision”. 

“However, the cost of financing visiting specialists travel is not sustainable and we want to attract more staff, including more psychiatrists, to live in Dubbo to service these patients,” he said.

“This process is designed to create more mental health services and create better access to services for our communities.”

The Australian Medical Association has raised concerns about the cost-cutting, particular during drought, while the Rural Doctors Association of Australia is advocating greater use of telehealth.

The health district is seeking to work within its almost $750 million budget after a $19.5 million bailout by NSW Health in 2012-2013. 

The Daily Liberal has encouraged Ted to make contact with the health district which promotes the 24-hour Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

Lifeline also offers support through its helpline on 131 114.