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The Althea Wellness Centre, commissioned by CHN and ACT Health, operates as a primary and secondary health care service that provides integrated multidisciplinary care for clients with current or past alcohol and drug dependency, complex health and social needs, in collaboration with other programs and services. Althea is comprised of a GP, nursing, psychiatry, psychology, non-dispensing pharmacist, and AOD health professionals. Althea’s services are provided at Directions Health Services and other valuable outreach services are provided at several locations across the ACT, providing immediate support to vulnerable people who cannot easily access health services.
The Althea Wellness Centre provides an innovative mobile outreach service through ‘Chat to PAT’ (Pathways to Assistance and Treatment) and ‘mini-PAT’, which often accompanies the Chat to PAT van to help manage the surges in capacity. The service provided primary health care, mental health support, AOD services and case management to 928 clients.
The Althea Wellness Centre supported 1,210 clients, with over 8,000 occasions of service. There was a 96% satisfaction rate across both the Althea Wellness Centre and Chat to PAT. Through Chat to PAT alone, the mobile outreach service supported 3,125 client presentations. Directions Health Services also continued its participation in the ACT Primary Care Pilot. Their participation led to improved outcomes for many clients with complex needs.
Congratulations to Dr Andrew Palfreman for being recognised as a Medicare Champion at the Stronger Medicare Awards. We nominated Dr Palfreman in recognition of his commitment to providing holistic care, addressing the medical, psychological and social aspects of health. His dedication extended to his work at Chat to PAT where he helped make quality health care more accessible for at-risk groups, who may otherwise feel isolated or hesitant to seek medical advice.
Client story
Theo* (not their real name) is a young man diagnosed with schizophrenia, who has substance use disorder and challenges with gambling and obesity. Althea Wellness Centre provided comprehensive support to Theo, including:
- Primary health care: Regular appointments with a GP and Practice Nurse for general health assessments, as well as medication prescriptions and administration.
- Psychiatry: Diagnostic review and treatment recommendations.
- Mental Clinical Coordinator: Continuous monitoring and support for mental health and substance use, including engagement with Theo’s carer.
Theo has reported 10 months of sobriety after years of regular substance use. He resides in safe accommodation and maintains meaningful relationships with friends and family. He volunteers his time with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to share his story and support others. He has also enrolled in study. Both Theo and his parent have expressed significant appreciation for the continuity of care and access to support provided by Directions.