Overview

University Hospital Geelong emergency department mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub

64-66 Bellerine Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia

The emergency department mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub – at Barwon Health’s University Hospital in Geelong – is one of six new hubs being delivered across the state.

The six hubs are part of the Victorian Government’s $32 million investment to better support Victorians experiencing urgent mental health, alcohol and drug issues.

Operated by Barwon Health, the five-bed hub will mean people presenting at University Hospital Geelong’s emergency department with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues can be fast tracked to specialist, dedicated care – providing them with the right support, sooner.

This investment builds on the work of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System’s 74 recommendations to transform mental health support and care to make it accessible, flexible and responsive.

Learn more about the emergency department mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub project via our dedicated program page.

$5.35M

INVESTMENT

NEW ED HUB

BEDS

SPECIALIST

CARE AND SUPPORT

Scope

The hub is located in University Hospital Geelong’s existing emergency department administration area and ambulance bay. The project has delivered:

a five-bed mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub
three interview rooms
a patient lounge and beverage facilities
a staff base, write up facilities and support functions.

Five more emergency departments hubs will be located at:

Benefits

The emergency department mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub project aims to achieve the following benefits:

Urgent mental healthcare where and when it’s needed

The new hub will support the growing number of people with mental health, drug and alcohol problems seeking help in emergency departments get the help they need, sooner.

Specialised care and support

Patients will be assessed and treated by an emergency department team – made up of psychiatrists, nurses and social workers – and referred to other services as required.

Contemporary mental healthcare

The project will deliver emergency facilities that support safe and modern emergency care, providing more support for Victorians living in the Barwon region who are presenting at emergency departments and need dedicated clinical care.