News Archive 2020
NHMRC success for psychiatry researchers
29 May 2020
The results of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2020 Grant Application Round were recently announced with researchers in the field of psychiatry well recognised.
Reconciliation must also mean recognition and self-determination
28 May 2020
As we recognise and celebrate National Reconciliation Week, we also take time to reflect on the important role that psychiatrists play in working towards the improvement of mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Associate Professor Lisa Lampe on managing anxiety during COVID-19
26 May 2020
In this video, A/Prof Lampe talks about how normal it is to experience anxiety during times of great uncertainty, like the COVID-19 pandemic and outlines 5 strategies trainees and psychiatrists can use to manage their own anxiety, as well as strategies to support others.
More research needed before psychedelics get the green light
25 May 2020
Whilst there is emerging evidence for the use of psychedelic therapies in the treatment of mental illnesses, there is still a way to go before it will be considered a safe and effective practice says the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Don’t wait! Is the simple message from the President of the peak psychiatry body
25 May 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is urging everyone to seek professional advice for any mental or physical health issues if they aren’t feeling well.
Database of psychiatrists to support healthcare workers
15 May 2020
The College is working with the Black Dog Institute and other key partners on the development of an e-health hub for essential frontline health workers. TEN: The Essential Network for health professionals is a mobile app that connects and provides fast, easy, access to evidence-based tools, resources, programs and specialists.
Nardil Discontinuation - NARDIL phenelzine 15mg (as sulfate) tablet bottle AUST R 93600
15 May 2020
The sponsor of Nardil (phenelzine) tablets in Australia, Link Medical Products Pty Ltd, has notified the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that they have discontinued supply in early April 2020 due to manufacturing issues.
National investment in data essential for targeted action on suicide
15 May 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes today’s National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan as well as the Commonwealth’s investment of $48.1 million in additional support to assist with its implementation.
Psychiatrists welcome Victorian government commitment to mental health
15 May 2020
The Victorian Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP Victorian Branch) welcomes the Victorian Government’s ongoing commitment to reforming the mental health system to ensure all Victorians have access to high-quality care when and where the need it.
RANZCP COVID-19 Resource Library: recommendations welcome
14 May 2020
As you may be aware, the College has established an RANZCP COVID-19 Resource Library to facilitate members’ access to appropriate, clinically relevant material related to COVID-19.
Psychiatrists welcome extra mental health support
14 May 2020
With Covid-19 public health measures beginning to ease across the country, the announcement of the Mental Health Support Package is welcome relief for mental health services in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Potential therapeutic use of psychedelic substances
14 May 2020
Most recently, the RANZCP President, Associate Professor John Allan, was featured on Nine’s 60 Minutes program to discuss the topic in the context of research taking place overseas, and the reported experiences of certain individuals involved in these trials.
Alcohol misuse and mental health do not mix
13 May 2020
It is more important than ever to be aware of the dangers of alcohol use for our mental health and wellbeing, according to the president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
RANZCP welcomes appointment of Australia’s first chief mental health officer
13 May 2020
The appointment of Australia’s first ever chief medical officer for mental health as part of the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis is welcomed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Guidance for withdrawal from Phenelzine and switching to another antidepressant
12 May 2020
Guidance for switching from phenelzine to another antidepressant
Keeping Yourself Well: the College’s handy new guide on how to look after yourself and others
11 May 2020
Taking care of your own health and wellbeing, and supporting your peers, is more important than ever at times like these.
Targeted action can prevent suicide increases
11 May 2020
A forecasted surge in suicide rates due to the impacts of COVID-19, its associated restrictions and their secondary social, economic and personal consequences is not inevitable according to the President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Associate Professor John Allan.
Join the COVID-19 conversation today
06 May 2020
Join in the COVID-19 conversation on the College’s online discussion forums today.
Lessons from COVID-19 to future-proof the mental health system
30 April 2020
Just as the COVID crisis is effecting large scale change across of our work and home lives so too is it impacting every aspect of the mental health system.
RANZCP renews call to prioritise health and safety for all inpatient facilities
27 April 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has again called for a more systematic approach to health and safety at high risk inpatient settings after the temporary closure of a psychiatric facility in Victoria.
The College supports AIDA’s call to stamp out racism
27 April 2020
The College welcomes AIDA’s call for all patients to be treated ethically and equitability in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
President of psychiatrists’ peak body says act now on mental health services
27 April 2020
Whilst we are seeing a flattening of the curve and some relaxation in restrictions across Australia and New Zealand, we must still act to ensure mental health services across all areas are enhanced and prepared to support the anticipated increase of people seeking access to these services.
COVID-19 public health workforce
24 April 2020
Information for members on assisting in your local health system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NSW Branch welcomes Govt's announcement of $73m mental health support
24 April 2020
The NSW Branch of the RANZCP enthusiastically supports the suite of initiatives announced by the Premier.
A message from the President: Support during COVID-19
24 April 2020
A short video from the President.
Shortage of Nardil (phenelzine) 15mg tablet (Australia)
24 April 2020
Nardil phenelzine 15mg tablet bottle (AUST R: 93600) is currently unavailable in Australia until 31 December 2020.
Urgent message from PHARMAC re discontinuation of phenelzine (Nardil) tablets
24 April 2020
PHARMAC has released the following correspondence regarding the discontinuation of phenelzine tablets in New Zealand.
Congratulations! 2020 College award winners announced
21 April 2020
The 2020 College award winners have been announced.
Congratulations! 2020 RANZCP Faculty and Section award winners announced
21 April 2020
The winners for the College Faculty and Section awards have been announced.
Greater access to telehealth consultations will benefit even more patients
18 April 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) commends the extension of Medicare benefits to assist patients to receive telehealth or telephone consultations in a wider range of circumstances.
Update on removal of restrictive MBS requirements and new item numbers
18 April 2020
An update on new COVID-19 telehealth MBS item numbers.
Immigration detention centres a significant COVID-19 risk
17 April 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) urges the Australian Government to urgently release vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers from immigration detention centres as part of its public health response to COVID-19.
2019 CPD certificates now available
16 April 2020
Certificates for 2019 CPD are now available for download.
►Access your 2019 CPD Certificate now [Member log in required]
Protection needed for all healthcare professionals in all high risk settings
15 April 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes Minister Hunt’s announcement over the weekend of 11 million medical masks for healthcare workers.
New COVID-19 page and update on MBS item numbers
08 April 2020
An update on the COVID-19 MBS item numbers.
Psychiatry by telehealth gets boost but more changes needed
06 April 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the most recent set of changes to expand Medicare-subsidised telehealth and telephone services, including for psychiatry services, to even more Australians.
RANZCP applauds deal to leverage private hospitals across Australia
03 April 2020
The recently announced partnership between the Commonwealth, States and Territories and the private and not-for-profit hospital sector will strengthen Australia’s capacity to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Urgent call for WA psychiatrists with an interest in doctors' health
03 April 2020
COVID-19 update from the WA Branch.
COVID-19 SA Branch Chair Update
03 April 2020
A COVID-19 update from the SA Branch.
Communication to SIMG candidates regarding training during the COVID-19 pandemic
03 April 2020
A communication to SIMG candidates regarding training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19: Continuing Professional Development – 2019 and 2020 changes
03 April 2020
An update on Continuing Professional Development – 2019 and 2020 changes
COVID-19: Training program update
01 April 2020
A COVID-19 and RANZCP training program update.
Communiqué to New Zealand RANZCP Members
01 April 2020
COVID-19 update from Tu Te Akaaka Roa – The New Zealand National Committee.
COVID-19 update for Victorian members
01 April 2020
A COVID-19 update from the Victorian Branch.
Urgent call out for WA Psychiatrists - patients in hotel quarantine
01 April 2020
Urgent call out for WA Psychiatrists - patients in hotel quarantine
Regulators’ response to COVID-19
31 March 2020
The RANZCP welcomes the Medical Board of Australia and the Medical Council of New Zealand’s support of doctors during the escalating COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
List of MBS Telehealth item numbers - COVID-19
31 March 2020
The list of MBS items included in the Federal Government's health plan to fight COVID-19 have been expanded.
Psychiatrists need more changes to address COVID-19 challenges
30 March 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the Australian Government’s changes announced yesterday to expand Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for more Australians.
ECT is an essential treatment and can save lives during COVID-19
27 March 2020
For some patients experiencing severe mental illness, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an essential treatment which can save their life.
RANZCP offices
26 March 2020
All College offices are now working remotely. For non-urgent enquiries, please contact the College via email ranzcp@ranzcp.org
RANZCP Foundation Research Update
26 March 2020
A RANZCP Foundation update.
COVID-19 looking after the most vulnerable - President John Allan on SBS NITV radio
25 March 2020
Interview with SBS NITV Radio on COVID-19: Are we looking after the mental health of the most vulnerable?
COVID-19: Training program update
24 March 2020
An update for trainees and CIMG candidates on the training program in regard to disruptions caused by COVID-19.
ABC Radio Sydney - Interview with Associate Professor John Allan on COVID-19 and telehealth
24 March 2020
A panel discussion between ABC Radio Sydney host James Valentine, Indigo Project's Mary Hoang and RANZCP President Associate Professor John Allan.
Letter to Minister Hunt: New COVID-19 Telehealth/Telephone MBS Items
20 March 2020
A letter from RANZCP President Associate Professor John Allan to Minister of Health, the Hon Greg Hunt.
ABC Radio Melbourne - Interview with Associate Professor John Allan on COVID-19 and anxiety
20 March 2020
Listen to an interview between RANZCP President Associate Professor John Allan and ABC Radio Melbourne host Virginia Trioli.
COVID-19: A message from Dr Angelo Virgona
20 March 2020
A message from the NSW Branch Chair.
COVID-19: Are we looking after the mental health of the most vulnerable?
19 March 2020
Having a mental illness can make it more challenging to stay physically healthy.
There is also substantial evidence that there are higher rates of physical illness among people with serious mental illness.
CPD reporting period extended until April 20
19 March 2020
To support our members during this challenging time the College has agreed to immediately extend the reporting period for the 2019 CPD program until midnight Monday 20 April, 2020.
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19
17 March 2020
It is normal and healthy to feel stress and anxiety sometimes.
Latest information on COVID-19
16 March 2020
Latest update on the novel coronavirus.
Message from the President: Cancellation of 2020 Congress and April OSCEs
13 March 2020
An update from the President regarding the Board's decision to cancel the 2020 Congress and April OSCEs.
Submission calls for urgent fixes to mental health system
13 March 2020
The NSW Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has called for improved access, capacity and fairness in New South Wales’ mental health system.
Message from the President: Board to decide on impact of COVID-19 for the College
12 March 2020
Board to decide on impact of COVID-19 for Annual Congress and examinations
RANZCP Board actions on climate health emergency
11 March 2020
An update on the RANZCP Board's recent actions on the climate health emergency.
Have you finished recording your 2019 CPD?
05 March 2020
The extended reporting period for 2019 CPD activities ends on 31 March 2020.
Australia’s leading psychiatrists gather to discuss youth mental health
02 March 2020
Leading youth mental health experts will this week gather in Sydney’s coastal suburb of Manly to take part in the annual Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Section of Youth Mental Health 2020 Conference.
The College welcomes the release of the inaugural Medical Training Survey (MTS)
10 February 2020
With over 10,000 doctors in training taking part in the MTS, the Medical Board of Australia is working towards developing an evidence base to improve and strengthen medical training in Australia.
Leading psychiatrist calls on government to appoint expert in veteran suicide
05 February 2020
The leading representative body for psychiatrists has welcomed the announcement of a permanent independent commissioner into veteran suicides, mental health and wellbeing and urges the government to ensure that the investigation is done so with the appropriate clinical awareness and understanding of this area.
Greater support for people in mental health crisis
31 January 2020
An increase in mental health related emergency ambulance responses is cause for great concern according to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Vic Branch congratulates A/Prof Simon Stafrace on new appointment
31 January 2020
The Victorian Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP Victorian Branch) congratulates RANZCP Fellow, Associate Professor Simon Stafrace, on his appointment to chief adviser of Mental Health Reform Victoria.
RANZCP recognises Te Pou lived experience leader Caro Swanson with Honorary Fellowship
30 January 2020
The RANZCP is proud to award Caro Swanson, Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui Principal Advisor Mental Health and Service User Lead, Honorary Fellowship of the RANZCP for her influential work in mental health systems and services.
RANZCP Foundation research update
28 January 2020
The RANZCP Foundation enables the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) to raise funds and manage an annual grants, scholarships and awards program that provides RANZCP members the opportunity to apply for financial support to undertake world-class psychiatric research and projects.
Explore RANZCP journal and research collections today
24 January 2020
Did you know that your RANZCP membership unlocks access to a wide range of leading international medical journals and online psychiatry resources?
Call for strong regulation for medicinal cannabis
23 January 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has expressed their support for the further research and, where backed by sufficient evidence, appropriate regulation of medicinal cannabis.
Update on bushfire response
23 January 2020
The College would like to provide a short update on what is being done to assist communities and support the mental health and wellbeing of those impacted by the fires.
Nominations open for WPA Executive Committee
22 January 2020
The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) is calling for nominations for all open positions on the WPA Executive Committee that will make up the WPA Board for the 2020–2023 triennium.
$2 million for bushfire related mental health research
21 January 2020
The National Health and Medical Research Council has announced $2 million of new research funding through its Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for a 2020 Bushfire Impact Research Grant Opportunity.
RANZCP supports climate emergency
10 January 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is committed to playing a vital role in addressing the impact that climate emergency is having on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Update on RANZCP bushfire response
07 January 2020
The College is deeply concerned for the many local communities, including those of our members, impacted by the catastrophic bushfire events devastating large areas of Australia.
My CPD 2020 update
06 January 2020
My CPD will automatically default to 2020. Remember to change the year to 2019 if you are finalising the reporting of your 2019 CPD.
Concern for communities as fires ravage south eastern Australia
01 January 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is deeply concerned by the catastrophic bushfire events currently impacting large areas of south eastern Australia, their local communities and holiday makers.