Fears NT won’t have enough specialty nurses for new mental health facility once built

The peak body representing Territory nurses and midwives has voiced concerns about a potential lack of specialty-trained mental health workers to staff a new dedicated facility planned for the Top End.

THE peak body representing Territory nurses and midwives has voiced concerns about a potential lack of specialty-trained mental health workers to staff a new dedicated facility planned for the Top End.

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation NT secretary Yvonne Falckh said there were always issues sourcing staff for any health specialties in the Territory and she was concerned a lack of ­dedicated training pathways could mean staff shortages when the new facility was eventually built.

But a Top End Mental Health Service spokesman said there was no shortage of specialty-trained nurses or doctors, pointing to the government’s own “Transition to Practice” pathway that ensures “training opportunities are available for those interested in working in mental health”.

Royal Darwin Hospital main entry. Picture Che Chorley

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The 12-month programs, offered to registered nurses with two years’ experience, or graduates, was “intensive” the spokesman said, with six people going through the current cycle.

“The Top End Mental Health Service does not have a shortage of mental health doctors,” he said.

“TEHS Mental Health provides a 24/7 service through its inpatient facility and the mental health access team, ensuring continued and ongoing access to medical services 365 days a year.”

This comes after the NT News this week revealed a lack of inpatient beds at Royal Darwin Hospital’s mental health unit had caused patients to overflow into other parts of the hospital, in what was becoming a precarious situation for staff and other patients.

Ms Falckh said it was likely the number of people needing mental health help in the NT would likely spike due to coronavirus pressures such as job losses, flow-on monetary issues and being separated from family.