The ACT Government has appointed a new chief psychiatrist following years of instability in the mental health sector.
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Denise Riordan, currently the Northern Territory chief psychiatrist, has accepted the role as the territory's most senior medical practitioner within the mental health sector.
The position has been filled in an acting capacity since former chief psychiatrist Peter Norrie left the position in 2016.
The ACT has struggled with a "crippling" shortage of psychiatrists in that time, with the government at times unable to staff the adult mental health unit with any permanent psychiatrists.
Dr Riordan said one of her top priorities would be addressing the recruitment issues currently plaguing the ACT.
"I think it would be fair to say that the ACT, probably in common with a lot of jurisdictions, has areas where things work well and areas of challenge," she said.
She wants to look at the workplace strategy and see how the ACT could become a place where psychiatrists want to come and work.
Dr Riordan said she wanted to make sure staff, who often worked in high stress environments like the adult metal health ward, felt supported.
Mental Health Minister Shane Rattenbury said the long recruitment process - which spanned years - was about making sure the government found the right person for the job.
"It will provide a stability, a professional focus for our team, and I think send a signal to psychiatrists generally that the ACT is a good place to work," Mr Rattenbury said.
Dr Riordan has worked in mental health for over 30 years in the public sector, ten of which were as staff specialist and clinical director of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in the ACT.
“I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity. ACT Health continues to work collaboratively with people who use the service and their carers to ensure it is a recovery focused and contemporary service,” Dr Riordan said.
“The commitment of staff within the service as well as in all the other organisations working to help improve the lives of all people with mental health related issues is very energising and motivating.
"There is a lot of work ahead for everyone, but it is work that is very fulfilling because of the potential it has to impact positively on the lives of so many people, and our whole community."
Mr Rattenbury said Dr Riordan would work closely with the coordinator-general of the newly established Office for Mental Health and other stakeholders in this role.
“We know that in improving co-ordination across the mental health system, we can better address some of the underlying factors that can influence mental health outcomes – providing the right care as early as possible, and addressing the underlying factors contributing to mental illness," he said.
“I look forward to working with Dr Riordan as we seek to improve support available to those experiencing mental illness in our community.”
