Some of the most vulnerable patients attending Monash Medical Centre’s emergency department will soon be seen in a purpose-built unit that brings together the best possible combination of care.
The new Mental Health, Alcohol and other Drugs (MHAOD) Hub will begin treating patients from Wednesday, with Monash Health Chief Executive Prof Andrew Stripp officially opening the facility at an employee event on Monday morning.
“This is the result of an immense amount of work recruiting a highly-specialised workforce and developing a new model-of-care,” said Prof Stripp. “It promises to provide a major boost for patients who may be experiencing mental health issues, or who may be affected by alcohol or other drugs.”
Kim Gallaher, Manager of the MHAOD Hub, said that her team is looking forward to seeing the first patients on Wednesday.
“The Emergency Department at Monash Medical Centre sees a large number of patients seeking help with their mental health and substance use struggles, sometimes up to 15 in one day,” Kim said.
“The Hub brings together specialist medical and nursing, psychiatric, addiction, allied health, security and peer workforces in a unique way that is aimed at providing a high level of recovery-focused, individualised and holistic care.
The Hub is one of six similar spaces across Victoria designed to meet the changing needs of the community, with an increase in the number of people seeking help at emergency departments when their condition has already reached crisis point. The Hubs represent one way the health system is adapting to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Dr Rachel Rosler, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, said the Hub would allow patients to receive coordinated multidisciplinary care in a safe and calm environment.
“Mental illness affects a range of people from different family, cultural, economic and social backgrounds,” Dr Rosler said. “The new hub will provide people with better access to specialised care that is connected to support in the community, so they can safely and confidently return home.”
The Hub’s model of care takes a holistic approach to treatment and places a major focus on recovery pathways and access to peer support for individuals based on their need.
Approved by Prof Andrew Stripp, Chief Executive
