Gateway Health will work to boost alcohol and other drug supports in the Ovens and Murray thanks to new pharmacotherapy grants program through the Victorian Government.
The funding will enhance the provision of pharmacotherapy prescribing and access in the region with an expansion of the Multidisciplinary Enhanced Rural Pharmacotherapy Service (MERPS) at Gateway Health.
Pharmacotherapy is the use of medication (such as methadone and buprenorphine) to help treat opioid dependence and is an essential part of efforts to reduce drug harm.
It will expand staffing within the MERPS program, enhancing capacity to deliver Opioid Agonist Therapy and build local pharmacotherapy resources including GP and pharmacy capacity.
Gateway Health Chief Executive Officer Trent Dean welcomed the funding and boost to services, which would build on the organisation’s two decades of proven success in delivering opioid replacement therapy in the region.
“Through this funding, Gateway Health will be able to increase staffing levels which will enhance program flexibility, expand opioid treatment capacity and support the implementation of activities addressing complex patient needs and service gaps,” he said.
“I’m proud that Gateway Health already has an established presence in the region for pharmacotherapy and with existing relationships with GPs, pharmacies, and other service providers, this funding will strengthen and expand local pharmacotherapy services.
“With a comprehensive suite of holistic programs, we are well-positioned to continue leading the delivery of pharmacotherapy services in the region.”
The service expansion will include extended prescribing hours, establishing culturally safe environments and strengthening existing community pharmacotherapy services by fostering supportive relationships with local health services, GP prescribers and pharmacies.
Chief Operating Officer Simon Donohoe said by enhancing local pharmacotherapy capacity, the funding would create a robust wrap-around support system that would support those vulnerable to opioid relapse and overdose and their health and wellbeing needs.
“Without Opioid Agonist Therapy, those with opioid use disorder face heightened risks of medical, psychiatric and social issues,” Mr Donohoe said.
“By reducing the burden on tertiary services and focusing on community-based, social support, this initiative will significantly increase pharmacotherapy service provision beyond the next three years, ultimately reducing mortality rates and improving health outcomes for people with opioid use disorder in our region.”
The $250,000 in funding for the next three years will see more than double the staffing hours and a more than 30 per cent increase in the number of patients.
