Eastern Health will run one of four initial mental health and addiction hubs as part of a new Statewide Specialist Service.
A key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System – the State Government has made a $21.5 million investment in 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.
Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams said people with co-occurring mental health concerns often need unique, tailored care.
“We’re making sure that’s available to every Victorian, with more specialist workers and addiction treatment hubs across the state,” she said.
“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.”
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.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said we need to build a better system.
“One that works for people with co-occurring substance use or addiction and mental illness. A system that ensures people get the world-class treatment and wraparound support they deserve.”
Additional reforms include grants and scholarships for trainee addiction specialists and nurses, and the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Facility Renewal Fund – delivering 45 projects across the state for mental health, alcohol and drug treatment.
