ASoP responds to alarming ED wait times

The latest report from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) paints a stark picture of Australia's mental health system. Mental health patients are now waiting more than 23 hours in emergency departments for a bed — a figure that has worsened significantly over the past decade. Demand is rising, presentations are more complex, and emergency departments are being left as the default entry point for crisis care without the resources to respond safely.

Amid these challenges, ASoP Executive Director Dr Pramudie Gunaratne was quoted, offering an important perspective from the psychiatric community. Dr Gunaratne emphasised that chronic underinvestment in mental health stems from three key issues including:

• A lack of understanding about severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia

• Misconceptions that these conditions cannot be effectively treated

• Persistent stigma that continues to shape policy and funding decisions

Her comments shine a light on why meaningful reform has been so slow — despite decades of warnings, rising suicide rates, and a system at breaking point.

Without sustained and significant investment across inpatient care, community services, and the mental health workforce, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

At ASoP, we are committed to advocating for the structural change and funding required to ensure Australians receive timely, evidence-based, and compassionate psychiatric care.

Full article: here