After hours support for people with AOD issues

11 August, 2017

In partnership with Banyule Community Health, Eastern Melbourne PHN is making an alcohol and other drug (AOD) clinician available in the emergency department at Austin Health on weekends.

The program works with people affected by AOD and their families at the time of the event, harnessing their motivation and willingness to accept help at a time when the debilitating effects of substance abuse are bought to the fore.

A six month review of the data shows that 80 clients and their families accepted After Hours support by way of brief intervention, service referral and follow up. The majority of these clients presented with alcohol problems. 

Supporting people through counselling and connecting them to health, education and other services in the community also assists to reduce the burden of AOD problems on our hospitals.

One study found almost 14 percent of patients in emergency departments in Australia at 2am on the study morning were presenting for alcohol related reasons.

Similar programs are also running at Box Hill Hospital and Northern Hospital.