The Alcohol and Other Drugs Network provides a forum for clinicians, managers and consumers to work together to design and promote better healthcare for those seeking treatment for substance use issues.
We work collaboratively to support the development of evidence-based innovative programs, frameworks and models of care to improve the quality and experience of care for consumers.
Network structure
The network is led by a multidisciplinary and representative Executive Committee supported by two co-chairs.
Dr Stanley Theodorou
Clinical Director, Drug and Alcohol Services, WNSWLHD
Co-Chair
Joan Purcell
Director Allied Health Services, Drug Health Services, SWSLHD
Co-Chair
The Network Executive Committee includes representatives from across the drug and alcohol sector including people with lived experience, clinicians, managers and academics. The committee members reflect the diversity of the sector with members from local health districts, primary health networks and the non-government sector.
Priorities
- Developing consumer led solutions to addressing stigma and discrimination
- Workforce development – identifying and addressing gaps
- Improved collaboration and connection across the sector
- Sharing examples of innovative practice and models of care
- Working to improve the outcomes and experience of care for Aboriginal people, families and communities
- Virtual care and its application in an alcohol and other drug setting
- Implementing the Alcohol and Drug Cognitive Enhancement (ACE) program
Alcohol and Other Drugs Care Charter
Reducing stigma for people who use, or have used, alcohol or other drugs is vital to improving their health. The Alcohol and Other Drugs Care Charter supports health staff to deliver safe, accessible, equitable and non-judgemental healthcare.
We partnered with the NSW Ministry of Health, the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies, and the NSW Users and AIDS Association to co-design the Charter with clinicians and people who use, or have used, substances.
The Charter aims to:
- support health staff reflect on their work practice
- guide health services to make changes in their culture, processes and physical environments
- help policy makers to break down structures that can lead to stigma.
Learn more and sign up to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Care Charter.
