Need to Build NZ's Mental Health Workforce

Recession Adds to the Need to Build New Zealand's Mental Health Workforce

AUCKLAND, Oct. 12 /Medianet International-AsiaNet/--

Te Pou, the National Centre of Mental Health Research, Information and Workforce Development and The University of Auckland are joining forces to encourage medical students into a profession in psychiatry.

New Zealand is facing an imminent shortage of psychiatrists. This comes at a time when the economic environment has seen an increasing number of New Zealander’s accessing mental health services.

But it seems new medical graduates just aren’t interested. In 2009 approximately 2.4 per cent of New Zealand medical graduates ventured into the field of psychiatry - less than half the number The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is targeting.

Now Te Pou and the University of Auckland are doing their part to show students the reality of a career as a psychiatrist. Nineteen medical students and three junior doctors have been selected to attend The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' (RANZCP) annual New Zealand Conference, in Rotorua this week [14-16 October].

RANZCP New Zealand conference convenor Dr Rees Tapsell says the sponsorship from Te Pou and the University will give students who have shown aptitude in psychiatry a practical introduction to psychiatry as a career.

Te Pou chief executive Robyn Shearer is pleased to be supporting the initiative. She says many factors signal the need to continue developing a mental health workforce that consistently delivers a high quality service to the public. ``The economic environment has seen increased demand on mental health and support services. We're seeing the impact of unemployment on mental health and substance abuse, and a steady rise in the use of anti-depressant medication.’’

Ms Shearer hopes the sponsorship of the students will help them understand the rewards of a career in mental health and addiction. These sentiments are echoed by Dr Tapsell. ``The human mind is fascinating. As psychiatrists we get to engage with some of the most interesting problems that people face.’’

Student selection was carried out by clinical schools in Auckland and Waikato (University of Auckland), Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin (University of Otago). Te Pou is also supporting two house surgeons and one registrar to attend the conference. The postgraduate students, along with other fully trained psychiatrists, will mentor the undergrads.

In turn the medical students will be acting as mentors to a group of 18 local high school pupils who are attending the conference on Friday through another initiative designed to inspire a career in psychiatry. Together the medical and high school students will attend a session focussed on studying psychiatry.

The RANZCP New Zealand Conference is an annual event providing opportunities for New Zealand Fellows, affiliates and trainees to network and problem-solve by debating and discussing the issues faced by the profession. This year's event is particularly exciting as it coincides with a working party of eminent international psychiatrists visiting New Zealand.

An evaluation of the programme will follow the students' attendance. Dr Tapsell says the decision to invite students to the conference was made early on in the planning and if the initiative proves successful it is likely to become a regular conference feature.

About The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the principal organisation representing the medical specialty of psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand and has responsibility for training, examining and awarding the qualification of Fellowship of the College to medical practitioners. Further information can be found at the College’s website: www.ranzcp.org.

About Te Pou
Te Pou is The National Centre of Mental Health Research, Information and Workforce Development. Te Pou works alongside district health board and non-government mental health and addiction services to develop frontline leadership, and effect systems change and quality improvement in service delivery. Te Pou also has a role implementing government policy into actions that address gaps in service and workforce development. For more information visit Te Pou’s website: www.tepou.co.nz.

SOURCE: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

ENDS