A census by the Royal College of Psychiatrists across Northern Ireland's five health trusts found 29% of consultant psychiatrist posts vacant or filled by locum doctors in 2025. This marked an increase from 25% in 2023.

The survey recorded 79 SAS psychiatrist posts in March 2025. Permanent staff occupied 52 of them. The remaining 27 posts stood vacant or held by temporary workers, equating to 34% without permanent staffing, up from 29% in 2023.

Dr Julie Anderson, chairwoman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Northern Ireland, said the data indicate substantial workforce strains on mental health services. She noted difficulties in maintaining steady care as demands grow and resources stay constrained.

Patients encounter extended waits for assistance, according to Anderson. She highlighted that prompt treatment enhances individual results and lessens long-term demands on services.

Northern Ireland allocates less per-person funding to mental health than other UK areas, despite elevated needs, Anderson stated. The region lacks full regional figures on mental health waiting lists.

Anderson urged joint efforts among stakeholders to resolve the shortages. The census occurred from May to October 2025, with input from all five health trusts.