In 2019 the Victorian Government invested $32 million to improve support for Victorians experiencing urgent mental health and alcohol and other drug and (MHAOD) issues.

One initiative from this was to develop six purpose-built MHAOD emergency department (ED) ‘Hubs’. The development of the Hubs was in response to the poor experiences and outcomes for patients presenting to EDs with MHAOD complaints.

In Australia, patients presenting to the EDs with MHAOD conditions wait longer than other patients and are more likely to leave prior to the completion of treatment or against medical advice.

To address the shortcomings in the treatment of vulnerable populations, a six-bed MHAOD Hub opened at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) in March 2022. It was the first to open in metropolitan Melbourne.

It is a purpose-built low stimulus treatment space for MHAOD patients and provides an enhanced service response. The MHAOD Hub is co-designed and implemented to address acute medical, mental health and alcohol and other drug problems at the same time.

It’s key strength is underpinned by an integrated model of care and a well-considered philosophy to deliver high-quality support, medical care, lived-experience guidance and adopt a best practice approach to vulnerable patients in crisis who present to the ED with mental health (MH) and/or alcohol or other drug (AOD) emergencies.

In this presentation we will present our model of care, our 3 years of experience to date, key learnings and future directions and developments.