SPECIALIST staff will be employed by Werribee Mercy Hospital to manage patients affected by alcohol and drugs.
The Mercy was one of 21 hospitals around Victoria to receive state government funding to better respond to drug and alcohol-affected patients in their emergency departments.
Werribee Mercy received $500,000 over four years.
Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the funding had been allocated to emergency departments that experienced high volumes of alcohol and drug-related presentations.
SEE: More Werribee Mercy cuts, more pressure on staff
She said patients affected by drugs, such as ‘ice’, were at risk of violent and complex behaviours and presented serious challenges to staff.
“These patients require intensive resources and place considerable pressure on hospitals.
“This initiative will provide Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department staff with better support for the identification, management and treatment of people who are intoxicated or drug affected.”
Mercy Public Hospitals executive director Linda Mellors said the funding would reduce the demand for emergency department treatment.
Specialist staff would work with the emergency department team to reduce admissions involving drug and alcohol-affected patients, she said.
“The expert staff will also be able to direct those requiring support to ongoing services to aid recovery and to help minimise repeat ED [emergency department] presentations in the future.”
Western Metropolitan Liberal MP Andrew Elsbury said the money would help hospitals address the sad reality of drug and alcohol abuse.
