In this episode, Annie Williams, Hamilton Centre Transformation Lead, interviews two guests from the Hamilton Centre Clinical Network at Austin Health and Goulburn Valley Health: Professor Edward Ogden PSM, an experienced Alcohol and Other Drug Consultant, and Allison Szarejko, a Mental Health Nurse and Clinical Lead. They highlight the importance of building relationships and understanding the needs of individuals and services in order to provide effective integrated care. They also emphasise the need to address stigma and unconscious biases in the healthcare system. The guests discuss the challenges and rewards of working in rural and regional areas, as well as the importance of education and training in the mental health and substance use fields.

Takeaways

• Building relationships and understanding the needs of individuals and services are key to providing effective integrated care.
• Addressing stigma and unconscious biases is crucial in the healthcare system.
• Working in Victorian rural and regional areas presents unique challenges and rewards.
• Education and training in the mental health and substance use fields need to be improved.
• Integrated care requires collaboration and a client-focused approach.