Background: In January 2005, the NSW Minister of Health requested that the NSW Institute of Medical Education and Training (then MTEC) review thedelivery of psychiatry training.
Aims: To develop a partnership model of high quality accredited psychiatry training in the NSW health system based on the principles of equity, accessibility, sustainability and accountability.
Methods: A needs analysis report was compiled using literature review and focus groups with trainees and trainers. A model to address the identified issues was developed and broad consultations held with trainees, supervisors, Directors of Training, NSW Branch Training Committee, Fellowships Board, Area Health Services, NSW Centre for Mental Health, NSW Institute of Psychiatry, academic psychiatrists and mental health service directors. The final recommendations were sent to the Minister of Health in the report ‘Principles for the Delivery of Psychiatry Training in NSW’.
Results: The report was endorsed for implementation in July 2005 with $2.6million of recurrent funding. State-level changes included the formation of the NSW Psychiatry Network Oversight Committee with membership from the NSW BTC, Directors of Basic and Advanced Training, IMET, Department of Health, Directors of Mental Health, trainees, Centre for Mental Health, Rural training, general practice, and workforce. An Education Support Fund for innovative training projects was established. Five psychiatry training networks with Network Governance Committees were configured to incorporate rural sites, and have funded positions including Directors of Training, Site Coordinators, Education Support Officers and psychotherapy educators.
Conclusion: Delivery of high quality psychiatry training requires partnerships between the RANZCP and other stakeholders.
