Drug and Alcohol

In 2003 the Mid North Coast (NSW) Division commenced a Drug and Alcohol Project in collaboration with the then Mid North Coast Area Health Service (MNCAHS) designed to enhance the drug and alcohol intervention skills of GPs working within the Division boundaries.  The program was established with funding from NSW Health and the MNCAHS.

 The Program objectives were to:

  • Undertake a Drug and Alcohol shared care skills and training needs analysis for GPs within the MNC Division area
  • Develop and implement a training program for GPs in generic alcohol and other drugs treatment skills enhancement
  • Maintain adequate numbers of GP methadone prescribers within the MNC Division area
  • Promote to GPs early intervention in alcohol use
  • Participate in the development of a support network of alcohol and other drugs service providers
  • Promote and support integreated shared Drug and Alcohol care between GPs and other alcohol and other drug service provicers

A project steering committee was formed comprising GPs and MNCAHS Drug and Alcohol staff who met regularly to review, evaluate and direct project activities.

A GP Drug and Alcohol education and training needs assessment was completed.  A Drug and Alchol project officer was employed to facilitate the concept of integrated care through increased liaision between MNCAHS Drug and Alcohol Services and GPs.  The project officer also organised the delivery of Drug and Alchol shared care education events involving both GPs and Drug and Alcohol Service providers.  Drug and Alcohol Services, including the Drug and Alcohol telephone information service, were promoted to GPs regularly via the Division's weekly newsletter.

One large shared care Drug and Alcohol workshop forum was conducted at Coffs Harbour, involving GPs from both within the Division and as far afield as the Northern Rivers and Hastinga Macleay Division regions, along with MNCAHS and NCAHS Drug and Alcohol service representatives and providers.  Smaller Division focussed share care education events were also conducted.

At the conclusion of the formal funded program, the Division has continued to conduct shared care Drug and Alcohol education activities under the Mental Health program banner.