THE state government is giving Victorians seeking treatment for mental health concerns and substance addiction better access to support, with a new state-wide specialist service.
Minister for Mental Health, Gabrielle Williams, last week opened the Hamilton Centre, a $13.3 million state-wide specialist service delivering more accessible care for Victorians with co-occurring mental health and substance addiction issues.
“I’m delighted to announce the opening of the Hamilton Centre, which is providing much needed integrated and wrap-around care for Victorians managing mental health and addiction issues,” she said.
“The Royal Commission told us that people struggling with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues need integrated and responsive support – the Hamilton Centre is an important part of an integrated system which will give people the best treatment and recovery.”
Turning Point, Australia’s leading addiction treatment and research centre led the design and delivery of the Hamilton Centre, and will lead a clinical network that will support the Hamilton Centre’s functions across the state.
New addiction specialist hubs will form a key part of this service – with the state government investing $21.5 million to open these services across St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Eastern Health, Western Health, Austin Health and Goulburn Valley Health, making sure people across the state have access to the support they need.
Named after Prof Margaret Hamilton AO, one of Australia’s most influential figures across the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and mental health sectors, the Hamilton Centre will deliver both clinical services and specialist integrated treatment.
The Hamilton Centre will also be a nation-leading base for research and education for mental health and alcohol and other drug services, as well as providing workforce training and development.
The establishment of the centre is an important step towards achieving the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System’s vision – of a future in which Victorians have access to integrated treatment, care and support in a variety of settings, consistent with their needs and preferences.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 invested more than $42 million over four years to boost integrated services for Victorians living with co-occurring mental health and addiction or substance use issues.
