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The Hon. AMANDA FAZIO: Will the Special Minister of State outline the detoxification services available in the Hunter?
The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA: A community drug and alcohol detoxification service has begun operating in the Hunter region, and it has been widely welcomed by the Hunter community. The program's development has been made possible by substantial extra funding provided to the area health service as a result of New South Wales Drug Summit funding. The community detox service has been established by Hunter Health in partnership with the Hunter Urban Division of General Practitioners and the University of Newcastle. It will serve up to 350 clients a year in Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie. Community detoxification enables people to receive treatment and care in their local environment and involves their families and carers. Other local community services will be available during and after detoxification to provide job training, educational interventions, parenting skills and counselling. This is an important new service for the people of the Hunter. It means that Hunter residents can now receive detox close to their home and their support networks—family, friends and so on—greatly improving their chances of beating addiction.
Skilled general practitioners and specialist registered nurses, and a drug and alcohol consultative service will provide the community detoxification service. Access to the service can be via general practitioners or through other health facilities, non-government organisations and other agencies. The community detox team will review all referrals on a daily basis. Clients will be supported by a 24-hour phone backup. To participate in the program clients must have access to a safe environment, sign a contract to abstain from all non-prescribed drug use and have the support of family and friends. Evaluation of the program is being undertaken by the University of Newcastle. Following the New South Wales Drug Summit the Carr Government increased funding for drug education, treatment, prevention and law enforcement, and committed to trial a range of innovative programs. This is a great example of the community responding with programs and initiatives that meet their needs. Hunter Health and its partners are to be congratulated.