Psychiatrists warn new mental health unit at Westmead could be an ‘empty shell’ as workforce dispute drags on

As work begins on the facility, doctors say it will be ‘a waste of money’ if the government does not address staff shortages

Get our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcast

Construction of a new mental health facility set to become the largest in New South Wales began on Wednesday in western Sydney, but psychiatrists say it will be an “empty shell” until the issues within the state’s workforce are resolved.

The peak body for psychiatrists has said the $540m Westmead integrated mental health complex is likely to suffer the same fate as several recently opened facilities in western Sydney, which are only able to operate at less than half the available beds due to lack of staff.

Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter

Continue reading…

About Author