New facility for treatment of alcohol and drug problems

21/5/2000
Health Minister John Day today officially opened the new Next Step Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services, which provide a comprehensive range of clinical services for people with alcohol and drug problems and dependencies.
Mr Day said this was the first time Next Step had had a purpose-built facility for treatment services.
"Since its inception 26 years ago, Next Step's treatment services have been accommodated in a variety of buildings," he said.
"Its latest premises, the William Street Clinic in Northbridge, were no longer appropriate, due to their location and size, and therefore the need to relocate became apparent.
"The State Government's $1.5 million allocation for the construction of a new facility is a clear sign of its commitment to the provision of specialist alcohol and drug services."
Mr Day said the redevelopment on the East Perth site was also a key component of the Health Department's drug strategy Interaction.
"This strategy supports and strengthens Next Step's role as a specialist drug and alcohol service provider and positions it to assume a leadership role in the health sector," he said.
The new facility will enable the following services to be established:

• integrated Next Step's clinical services for the first time since 1974;
• an expanded range of specialist outpatient services provided to clients;
• a three-bed acute observation unit;
• an increased bed capacity of four;
• special group work and counselling facilities;
• expanded support groups;
• dedicated, discrete pharmacy services for methadone clients unable to be managed in community pharmacies;
• the capacity to support clinical trials of new pharmacotherapies; and -
• development of evidence-based practice demonstration projects.

Mr Day said these facilities would provide major improvements in the treatment of people with alcohol and drug problems in Western Australia.
The new clinic is located in Moore Street, East Perth.
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600