Personnel wait to see psychiatrist

SOLDIERS in the nation’s largest garrison city will continue to wait up to eight weeks to see the single part-time base psychiatrist, with the new trainee only set to finish their studies in two years.

Joint Health Unit North Queensland commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Karen Such told the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide that military personnel in Townsville were waiting six weeks to see a GP and four weeks for a non-emergency psychologist appointment at Lavarack Barracks.

Lieutenant Colonel Such was questioned about the plan to have a new psychiatrist start at the base in 2025.

Counsel assisting the commission Peter Singleton asked why this could not happen sooner, and why a civilian could not be contracted.

Lieutenant Colonel Such said the base’s trainee psychiatrist would finish his fiveyear training program in 2024.

“We do have an on-base psychiatrist two days a week, which I believe provides us with good care,” she said.

She said the part-time psychiatrist worked Mondays and Wednesdays and had emergency slots available on each day.

“We operate a triage process. If someone is in need, they will be seen pretty much immediately,” Lieutenant Colonel Such said.

Regimental Sergeant Major for the 3rd Combat Brigade Warrant Officer Class 1 Brian Buskell said the extended wait times were affecting soldiers.

“A common discussion we have is how long it takes them to see a doctor,” he said.

“It has a negative impact and they feel it is not fair.”

The commission was told there was a fear that any medical or mental health appointment could hinder their career.

Chaplain Gary Pope said any medical issue could affect a soldier’s career, but that the concern in the ranks was greater than reality.

“If I see a doctor for a physical ailment that is something that is going to be long term and debilitating and the like. It will have an impact,” he said.