Western Health will be one of four locations to give Victorians seeking treatment for mental health concerns and substance addiction better access to support.
The new hubs announced by Mental Health Minister Gabrielle Williams and Health Mary-Anne Thomas today will have the four health services partner with expert providers for the new Statewide Specialist Service.
Eastern Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Austin Health, in partnership with Goulburn Valley Health, will run the other initial hubs.
The Specialist Statewide Service will ensure people with co-occurring mental illness and substance use issues receive the care they need earlier and closer to home.
Alongside providing specialist treatment and care, the service will also support education and training initiatives for mental health and alcohol and other drugs practitioners, as well as undertake dedicated research into co-occurring mental illness and substance use.
The Statewide Specialist Service will be led and coordinated by Turning Point, Australia’s leading addiction treatment and research centre, thanks to a $13.3 million investment from the government.
The hubs come following the Royal Commission into mental health.
Ms Williams said people with co-occurring mental health concerns often need unique, tailored care.
“The Royal Commission told us integrated care is vital for Victorians struggling with co-occurring mental illness – the Statewide Specialist Service will support people every step of their recovery journey.”
