Addictions unit to slash wait times
A $3.1m mental health and addictions unit — the first of its kind for North Queensland — has opened at Townsville Private Clinic in the city’s CBD.
The 13-bed unit for addictions and substance abuse is expected to reduce wait times by accepting inpatient referrals within days, compared to an average three-month wait for outpatient or day therapy programs.
Director of Medical Services Dr Jane Hay said the new ward was a timely addition to the clinic with demand for treatment spiking since the start of the
COVID-19.
“This dedicated facility means that a person can come in and start receiving help to treat both their addiction and mental health illness at the same time,” Dr Hay said.
“In recent months there has been extra pressure on our existing 60-bed clinic to cater for people struggling with addiction and substance abuse, which has been exacerbated by the stress and isolation many people have faced as a result of coronavirus.
“For some people, their usual healthy coping mechanisms, such as work or spendyear due to ing time with family and friends, has been limited and in some cases this has contributed to worsened anxiety and depression, and self medication with substances leading to addiction problems.”
Dr Hay said most patients were presenting with alcohol dependency and, to a lesser degree, opiate dependency.
“People can turn to alcohol or opiates found in prescription drugs because they are relatively accessible and at first they seem to numb the emotional pain,” Dr Hay said.
“Both drugs are a false economy, particularly alcohol, which has the ability to relax people temporarily, but is actually a depressant long term and can induce middle insomnia and cause increased anxiety symptoms the following day which leads to further alcohol cravings and possible addiction.
“The benefit of our new ward is it allows our doctors to provide much more intensive and personalised care. It also allows us to evaluate and treat any underlying mental health problems.”
Townsville Private Clinic CEO and Director of Clinical Services Amanda Delacy said the new ward included 11 single rooms and a share room.