The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) NSW Branch has welcomed the NSW Government's appointment of an expert panel to review systemic issues at Cumberland Hospital.

"This is a welcome step. We welcome Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson for appointing a panel of experienced health administrators, clinicians and RANZCP Fellows to provide immediate oversight and restore safety, accountability and confidence at Cumberland,” Dr Choong-Siew Yong, RANZCP NSW Branch Deputy Chair said.

“We look forward to insights and findings from the expert group on the challenges of caring for people with mental illness and diverse needs including how to better resource our hospitals to care for mental health patients to be safely integrated into community care.

"At the same time, we must be clear-eyed that these challenges extend well beyond Cumberland, and require system-level reform. Consumers, carers, clinicians and leaders have long been aware how broken the system is and that it needs the commitment of all parties to make improvements.

“We appreciate Premier Chris Minns has also expressed his concerns about the recent distressing events.

"Psychiatrists remain committed to working with NSW Health to devise and implement solutions that strengthen the state's mental health system and that look after its most severely unwell patients and the dedicated people who care for them.

"As highlighted in all recent inquiries and the Bondi Inquest, we need sustained investment in community- based mental health and wraparound services and appropriate in-patient units, which will require major expansion in the workforce. And we must ensure people are not being discharged into homelessness and trapped in a revolving door of crisis and readmission.

“The yet to be released NSW Health Mental Health Gap Analysis will provide the guidance as to the extent and nature of investment required,” Dr Yong said.

The RANZCP is particularly encouraged that this move signals a willingness by the government to act swiftly, and we look forward to working with them to implement lasting solutions that benefit both patients and staff.

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicideprevention.